Citizens Medical Center Offers Free Rides

In an effort to counter the number of potential drunken partygoers from getting behind the wheel, Citizens Medical Center will offer free cab rides again this holiday season. The MASH, or Make Our Area Safe for the Holidays, program provided by Citizens will pay cab fares for people from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. from Friday to Jan. 1. This program is designed to get people who may have had too much to drink home safely.

Individuals or bartenders who know someone who shouldn't drive can call 361-572-6274. Those intending to use the service must give a residential address for the drop-off location.

In 2011, 43 people used the service, while 70 used it in 2010. Since the program's inception 20 years ago, the MASH service has been used by more than 2,000 people