Why Programs Like "Every 15 Minutes" Are Critical for Our Youth
Every 15 minutes, someone used to die in an alcohol-related traffic crash. That chilling fact inspired the creation of the Every 15 Minutes program—a powerful, two-day experience designed to open the eyes of high school juniors and seniors to the real-life consequences of drinking and driving.
Through realistic crash reenactments, emergency response demonstrations, and emotional memorials, the program forces students to confront the impact their decisions can have—not only on themselves but on their families, friends, and communities. It’s not just a lesson—it’s a wake-up call.
Teen drivers are disproportionately involved in fatal and injury-causing alcohol-related crashes. Despite years of public service campaigns and school presentations, many young people still underestimate the risks. That's why immersive, emotional, and community-driven programs like Every 15 Minutes are so important. They don’t just tell students the facts—they show them the fallout.
What makes this program especially powerful is its community-based approach. Law enforcement, first responders, hospitals, schools, businesses, and parents all come together to deliver one united message: Your choices matter.
At Art Not Drugs (AND), we believe in this same kind of collaborative, preventive approach. While Every 15 Minutes focuses on drinking and driving, AND focuses on helping youth choose creativity over destruction, art over addiction. We use art as a tool for healing, empowerment, and awareness—giving young people an outlet to express themselves and connect with others in meaningful, drug-free ways.
Our mission aligns with the spirit of Every 15 Minutes: to prevent tragedy before it happens by educating, engaging, and empowering our youth. Communities need programs like these—ones that don’t just scare or lecture, but inspire real change.
By coming together—schools, families, nonprofits, first responders—we can give our youth the support, awareness, and opportunities they need to make safer, stronger choices.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep building programs that save lives.