Ben Taub to “Shatter Dreams” at Klein Collins High School

DRAMATIZATION – Breaking News: Two teenagers died Thursday, March 5, in a multi-car accident involving a school bus in front of 1,200 students at Klein Collins High School. Another student remains in critical condition at Ben Taub General Hospital. Another student may face criminal charges. Police suspect the accident is alcohol-related. 

HOUSTON (March 3, 2009) – Hoping to affect teens by using a visual reminder of the dangers of underage drinking and drug use, Ben Taub General Hospital and several city and state agencies are spearheading a “Shattered Dreams” presentation at 9:30 a.m. March 5, at Klein Collins High School, in advance of spring break.  

Shattered Dreams, a nationally recognized program, uses a graphic car collision re-enactment involving student actors and actual emergency personnel. The event is performed live before senior- and junior-class students.  

Ben Taub has organized Shattered Dreams presentations at Harris County high schools since 2006, including Cesar Chavez, Galena Park, Klein, Klein Oak and Sam Houston high schools.  

“We want to make young people aware of the consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Robin Garza, Ben Taub's trauma outcomes manager. “When these preventable accidents occur, they not only affect the victims, but also their families, friends, health care providers, law enforcement, school officials, and others. This is a tragic domino effect we want to stop before it starts.” 

WHAT:             Shattered Dreams at Klein Collins High School 

WHEN:             9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2009
                        Mock wreck will be from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:           Klein Collins High School, 20811 Ella Blvd., Spring, Texas, 77388 

The Harris County Hospital District is the public health care system for the nation's third most-populous county. It provides quality health care for more than one million patient visits each year to residents of Harris County. It operates Ben Taub General Hospital, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, Quentin Mease Community Hospital, 12 community health centers, a dental center, a dialysis center, eight school-based clinics, 13 homeless shelter clinics and five mobile health units.