Borough President James S. Oddo, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Uber are pleased to announce the continuation of their joint effort to combat drunk driving. On Thanksgiving Eve, Staten Islanders can use the code “SAFERIDESI18” to claim two free rides (up to $15 each). The promotion will run from 8pm on Wednesday, November 21st to 5am on Thursday, November 22nd. Both rides must start and end in Staten Island. The rides are being sponsored by Uber.
 
Thanksgiving Eve, which has also been called “Blackout Wednesday,” is one of the busiest drinking nights of the year. It also represents the beginning of the holiday season when there is a known increase in instances of impaired driving. BP Oddo, DA McMahon, MADD, and Uber are urging people to seek safe transportation options as they get together and celebrate the holidays.
 
The free rides are part of the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, which launched last year. Nearly 3,000 Staten Islanders participated in the initial promotion, which allowed users to get free rides on Thanksgiving Eve in an effort to combat drunk driving. Subsequent promotions took place on days when drunk driving incidences typically spike, including during the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
 
“After our successes with this program throughout the past year, I’m pleased to be able to continue this initiative,” said BP Oddo. “If you plan on drinking this Thanksgiving Eve, please enjoy the night responsibly and leave your car at home. Thank you to DA McMahon, MADD, and Uber for helping us give Staten Islanders a safe transportation option on Thanksgiving Eve.”
 
“Far too often on Staten Island people make the irresponsible and possibly deadly choice to drive after a night of drinking; I see it because we prosecute them every day. After the unmitigated success of last year’s SI Safe Ride initiative where thousands of Staten Islanders made the smart choice and left the keys at home on Thanksgiving Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, and Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day, Borough President Oddo and I are thrilled to once again offer this initiative to Staten Islanders. We encourage everyone heading out this Thanksgiving Eve to take advantage of this promotion, enjoy a great night responsibly, and avoid meeting one of my prosecutors after a night in jail,” said DA McMahon.
 
“We are proud to support the Borough President’s efforts to raise awareness about the risk of driving under the influence and to help ensure Staten Island residents have a reliable ride home while out celebrating,” said Brian Hughes, General Manager, Uber NY. “As the Holiday season approaches, the need for more safe transportation options is more pronounced than ever, and Uber always strives to arm people with more options when hitting the road.”
 
“The holiday season is a special time for joy and togetherness, but it’s also the one of the most dangerous times of the year on the road because of the increased frequency of drunk driving,” said Richard Mallow, Executive Director of MADD NY. “We applaud the Borough President, District Attorney and Uber for raising awareness about DUIs and for providing a safe, reliable ride for Staten Island residents."
 
In 2003, Oddo and McMahon, then City Council Members, sponsored “Operation Arrive Alive,” a similar, though low-tech initiative that relied on bartenders to call a cab for patrons who requested one.  The 2018 version is different in that it allows patrons themselves to summon an Uber in the way they are accustomed to.  
 
Each trip has a maximum value of $15. If a ride costs more than $15, riders will receive that much as a credit and will be responsible for the remaining money due.    
 
Uber has been proven to help reduce drunk driving across America. For example, DUI arrests in Seattle decreased by more than 10% after Uber started serving riders and drivers in the city, according to a recent study.  A recent independent study conducted by Temple University found cities where Uber operates have 3.6%-5.6% fewer drunk driving deaths than cities without access to ridesharing.

A report by Uber and MADD concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes. 

Over the weekend of September 28-30, Borough President James Oddo joined with the Consortium for Affordable Medical Technologies (CAMTech) at Massachusetts General Hospital, the State of New York, Northwell Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering to host the Empire State Opioid Epidemic Innovation Challenge at Columbia University.
 
The goal of the weekend was to serve as an open-innovation platform for a diverse community to co-create solutions that have the potential to change the trajectory of the local and national opioid crisis. The idea for the challenge came from the BP’s Policy Team, who learned about a successful opioid “Hack-A-Thon” hosted by CAMTech in Boston in 2016. The Borough President’s office reached out to CAMTech and collaborated with them to create a similar event in New York City.

Kicking off the event, BP Oddo spoke about the local impact of the opioid crisis on the Staten Island community. Other speakers included Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez, Dr. Ram Raju of Northwell Health, First Deputy New York City Police Commissioner Benjamin Tucker, and District Attorney Michael McMahon. In addition, those in recovery and family members who lost loved ones to addiction spoke about their personal experiences. Representatives from Google and CVS Health joined a panel discussion on what large companies can do to help fight this epidemic.

As part of the challenge, 12 multi-disciplinary teams were formed—composed of engineers, data experts, social workers, clinicians, and other professionals. The teams worked over the weekend to develop, finalize, and pitch their innovations with the help of subject-matter experts—representing government, hospitals, public health, business, first responders, and the treatment community—who made themselves available to offer mentorship. Each team gave a three-minute pitch on Sunday afternoon to the panel of judges.
 
Here are the winning entries:
 
Grand Prize: Team RAN won the $2,000 Empire State Opioid Epidemic Innovation Award. RAN links individuals with certified peer advocates to meet patients at hospitals and treatment recovery centers.
 
Northwell Health Innovation Award: Team Recover We won $1,500 for innovating a Google chat to link individuals with prevention, treatment, and opioid recovery programs.

CAMTech Innovation Award: Team Quick Reversal won $1,500 for innovating a nasal patch that dispenses Narcan to prevent opioid overdose.

Honorable Mention: Team ARK won $500 for innovating a kit that aggregates existing prevention, treatment, and recovery tools for hospitals, needle exchanges, detox centers, and rehab facilities.

“I’m so pleased to see this event come to life and be such a success. We recruited talented individuals with hard-to-find skill sets to help us add options to the toolkit we use to tackle the opioid epidemic. We are eager to see how these promising innovations progress and hope to apply the best of them on Staten Island,” said BP Oddo. “Thanks again to the Governor’s Office, NYS OASAS, Northwell Health, Columbia University’s Public Health and Engineering Schools—and most importantly our organizing entity that made this all possible—CAMTech at Massachussets General Hospital, for working with us to turn this idea into reality.”

The challenge continues at Demo Day on January 31st, where all 12 teams will have the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 prize. Each team will have four months to develop their ideas, bring their innovations to life, and perfect their pitches.

​On Tuesday, March 27th, BP Oddo and District Attorney Michael McMahon hosted a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Breakfast at the Excelsior Grand. The second annual ceremony, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the conflict, honored those who served in the U.S. Armed Forced during the Vietnam War era.
 
The event was hosted by local celebrity Brian “Q.” Quinn of the Impractical Jokers. In addition to the BP Oddo and DA McMahon, speakers included General Loree Sutton, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans Services, and Shannon Daly, a former U.S. Marine who graduated from the Richmond County Veterans Court.
 
At the event, Dennis and Mary McCloone presented the White Table, a POW/MIA recognition ceremony.
 
"We hope you know that we honor and acknowledge your service and respect you. Welcome home,” said BP Oddo. “Moments like this give this job meaning for me.”
 
“When America’s Vietnam War veterans returned home, many were not treated with the respect and appreciation they deserved for their service and bravery. Nevertheless, Staten Island’s Vietnam Veterans continued to serve their nation in the decades to come by playing an active role in fighting to make our community stronger and better for all. I am honored to once again join Borough President Oddo in giving these American heroes the heartfelt thanks they have so rightfully earned,” said DA McMahon.
 
Following the event, all of the Veterans were presented with lapel pins as a symbol of recognition of their service. Over 125 Vietnam Veterans attended the breakfast.

BP Oddo, District Attorney Mike McMahon, and the technology company Uber are pleased to announce a continuation of their partnership that began on Thanksgiving Eve to combat drunk driving. After two successful trial runs, the initiative will continue this Sunday to allow those attending the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade to arrive home safely after the event.
 
Between the hours of 10am-6pm on Sunday, March 4th, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SISPD2018” to unlock one free ride (up to $15). The ride must start and end in Staten Island. Codes will work on a first come, first served basis as the number of free rides available through this promotion will be limited.
 
The Carl V. Bini Fund, the Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association have generously signed on as main sponsors of this initiative. 
 
The free rides are part of the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, which launched last year. Nearly 3,000 Staten Islanders participated in the initial promotion, which allowed users to get free rides on Thanksgiving Eve in an effort to combat drunk driving. Free rides were also offered after the big game on February 4th, of which hundreds of football fans took advantage.
 
“SI Safe Ride” was created through a partnership between Borough President James Oddo, the technology company Uber, District Attorney Mike McMahon, the NYPD, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
 
“Drinking and driving could turn a fun day at the parade into a tragic one,” said BP Oddo. “If your plans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this Sunday at the parade include drinking, please leave your car at home. I encourage all Staten Islanders to enjoy the day safely and responsibly by taking advantage of this program. Thank you to our sponsors, DA McMahon, and Uber for helping us continue to give Staten Islanders a safe ride home.”
 
District Attorney McMahon said: “Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day is a proud day for those of Irish heritage to celebrate our shared history and our contributions to America and a chance for all Staten Islanders to come together and celebrate their Irish side with friends, family and loved ones. I am so pleased to continue our successful partnership with Borough President Oddo and Uber to provide a safe mode of travel for Staten Islanders reveling in the day’s festivities. Remember, there is no excuse to drink and drive.”  
 
“There is never an excuse to get behind the wheel after drinking, and Uber is proud to be part of this ongoing, collaborative Safe Rides Initiative,” said Danielle Filson, Uber Spokesperson. “As friends and family celebrate St. Paddy's Day in Staten Island, we urge them to make responsible decisions and take advantage of this promotion.”
 
Uber has been proven to help reduce drunk driving across America. For example, DUI arrests in Seattle decreased by more than 10% after Uber started serving riders and drivers in the city, according to a recent study.  A recent independent study conducted by Temple University found cities where Uber operates have 3.6%-5.6% fewer drunk driving deaths than cities without access to ridesharing.

A report by Uber and MADD released last January concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes.
In 2003, Oddo and McMahon, then City Council Members, sponsored “Operation Arrive Alive,” a similar, though low-tech initiative that relied on bartenders to call a cab for patrons who requested one.  “SI Safe Ride” is different in that it allowed patrons themselves to summon an Uber in the way they are accustomed to.  
 
Initiative sponsors, the Forest Avenue BID and the South Shore BID, include the following nightlife establishments: Curly Wolf Saloon, Play, Joyce’s Tavern, Campania, Talk of The Town, Flanagan’s Tavern, Marmar Restaurant, Jody's Club Forest, Liberty Tavern, Ho Brah A Taco Joint, Cafe Milano, Kettle Black, Kings Arms Diner, 3 Guys Sushi, Panini Grill, Burrito Bar & Restaurant, Duffy's, Bruno's Li Greci's Staaten, Casa Franco.

On Tuesday, January 30th, Borough President James S. Oddo, District Attorney Mike McMahon, and the technology company Uber announced a continuation of their partnership that began on Thanksgiving Eve to combat drunk driving. At the press conference, they announced the availability of free Uber rides this Sunday to allow football fans to arrive safely home after the big game.
 
Between the hours of 3pm-12am on Sunday, February 4th, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SAFERIDESI” to unlock one free ride (up to $15). The ride must start and end in Staten Island. Codes will work on a first come, first served basis as the number of free rides available through this promotion will be limited.
 
The Carl V. Bini Fund, the Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association have generously signed on as main sponsors of this initiative. 
 
The free rides are part of the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, which launched last year. Nearly 3,000 Staten Islanders participated in the initial promotion, which allowed users to get free rides on Thanksgiving Eve in an effort to combat drunk driving. “SI Safe Ride” was created through a partnership between Borough President James Oddo, the technology company Uber, District Attorney Mike McMahon, the NYPD, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
 
“After the huge success of our trial run on Thanksgiving Eve, I’m so pleased to be able to expand this program,” noted BP Oddo. “We don’t want a single person out on the road drinking and driving. I encourage Staten Islanders to leave their cars at home if they are planning on drinking while watching the big game this weekend. Thank you to our sponsors, DA McMahon, and Uber for helping football fans celebrate the big day safely.”
 
“For football fans across Staten Island, getting together for the big game means family, friends, food, and often times, drinking. As thousands of Staten Islanders showed this Thanksgiving Eve, leaving the car at home for a night out just makes sense, and I am proud to have partnered once again with BP Oddo and Uber to bring a safe transportation alternative to our borough this Sunday. Even though this year’s big game features two of New York’s hated rivals, we want you to enjoy the game while keeping yourself and others on the road safe from harm,” said District Attorney McMahon.
  
"All Staten Island residents should enjoy Sunday without worrying about how they will get home safely," said Josh Gold, Spokesperson, Uber NY. "We are proud to work with the Borough President and the District Attorney to continue our successful partnership and raise awareness about the risk of driving under the influence."
 
Initiative sponsors, the Forest Avenue BID and the South Shore BID, include the following nightlife establishments: Curly Wolf Saloon, Play, Joyce’s Tavern, Campania, Talk of The Town, Flanagan’s Tavern, Marmar Restaurant, Jody's Club Forest, Liberty Tavern, Ho Brah A Taco Joint, Cafe Milano, Kettle Black, Kings Arms Diner, 3 Guys Sushi, Panini Grill, Burrito Bar & Restaurant, Duffy's, Bruno's Li Greci's Staaten, Casa Franco.
 
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On Monday, July 24, BP Oddo joined with DA Mike McMahon to announce the launch of SIHOPE.org. The website contains various resources related to the opioid epidemic, ranging from information on addiction treatment services to ways to report drug activity in your neighborhood. As part of the public awareness campaign, lawn signs will encourage Staten Islanders to visit the site.
 
“Getting the word out about all of the efforts undertaken on the opioid epidemic is really important,” noted BP Oddo. “The District Attorney’s new website is making it a little easier with one central location for folks to access information.”
 
"It's a one-stop shop for those battling addiction, those with a loved one who is struggling, or those who simply want to get involved in helping end this horrible crisis," said District Attorney Michael McMahon.
 
To check out the website, click here.

​On Friday, May 5th, BP Oddo welcomed the Staten Island Academy Girls Basketball Team and the Monsignor Farrell Varsity, JV and Freshman Basketball Teams to Borough Hall to congratulate them on winning their respective championships this year. Members of both teams recounted their winning seasons and asked BP Oddo questions about quality of life issues on Staten Island.

After talking to the students, BP Oddo challenged them to a free throw contest, using a mini-basketball hoop he had put up for the occasion. At the meeting, BP Oddo presented both teams with proclamations acknowledging their leadership on and off the court.

“You are a great group of young women and men, and you make us so proud,” noted BP Oddo.
​
Senator Andrew Lanza, Assembly Member Michael Cusick and District Attorney Michael McMahon joined BP Oddo in congratulating the teams.

​On Wednesday, February 15th, BP Oddo joined with District Attorney McMahon, NYPD Assistant Chief Delatorre and health professionals to announce the Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (HOPE) initiative, which redirects low-level drug offenders to community-based health and treatment services instead of jail and prosecution. The goal of HOPE is to reduce drug overdoses and improve public safety by getting those suffering from addiction onto the path to recovery. 
 
The program allows eligible offenders to meet with peer coaches to provide them with a naloxone kit and talk to them about the program. The peer coach will also encourage the individual to visit a community based Resource and Recovery Center, of which there are two on Staten Island – one that runs 24 hours on the North Shore by Community Health Action of Staten Island, and another that operates on the South Shore by Christopher’s Reason and the Resource Training Center. If the individual decides to pursue treatment, the case will not be prosecuted.
 
“We have to think outside the box on this issue,” said BP Oddo. “We’ve begun to do that with our Too Good for Drugs and HOPE initiatives. We need to work together with law enforcement, health professionals and community-based organizations to help educate the next generation about the dangers of opioids and get those in need into treatment. This initiative is just one part of our multi-faceted approach to dealing with the opioid epidemic.”
 
“This effort recognizes that substance abuse illness is both a public health and a public safety crisis that is endangering our community and demands urgent collective action. Too often in our criminal justice system, individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder find that treatment or services are too far out of their reach or offered too late in the process to have meaning in their lives. Putting this effort in place has been an extraordinary example of the power that government can harness and mobilize across multiple disciplines to tackle a crisis effectively,” said District Attorney Michel McMahon.
 
In 2015, Staten Island had the highest rate of overdose death of any of the five boroughs and one of the highest rates in all of New York State. Last year, the NYPD reported more than 90 suspected overdose deaths on Staten Island and an additional 74 overdose-reversals with the drug Naloxone made by the NYPD.