Reita Hill
Victim Services Specialist MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Texas ranks 47th in the nation based on the percentage of traffic deaths related to drinking and driving, while Maine ranks No. 1 with the lowest percentage of DUI-related deaths. Reita Hill has been providing emotional support, advocacy in the criminal and civil justice system, assistance with medical issues and helping preserve victims’ rights for 25 years. She has also worked to design, develop and implement more than 4 million dollars worth of grants into public awareness and training programs across the state. “Most of the victims I work with have never had any experience dealing with the judicial system and they have no idea how the system works—how long it takes, or even understand their rights. I help them through this entire process,” says Reita. “ In my territory – 13 counties in Central Texas – we have had 78 deaths, and that does not even begin to count over 300 others, who were injured and survived. Drunk driving affects so many people. Lives are changed forever.” Reita also helps the families of victims apply to TxDOT to place a memorial marker, a large white wooden cross that designates and honors the place their loved one was taken away from them. Reita is currently working with the soldiers of the 5th AMD 69th ADA Battalion at Fort Hood to install the memorial markers around Central Texas for MADD victims. “Awareness is the key to prevention and these senseless tragedies are 100 percent preventable.”
Photo by Priscilla Z Photography
texappealmag.com
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