Naval Medical Center Portsmouth set a new standard May 2 by celebrating seven months without an incident involving driving under the influence (DUI).

The achievement can be attributed in part to a new training initiative and inclusion of a Safe Ride link on the NMCP mobile app.

The robust training offered by NMCP's command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor provide options for Sailors to make smart decisions and arrive at their destination safely.

"We have gone an incredible amount of time without a DUI, especially for a command that is this large," said Lt. Darcey Reilly-Endicott, NMCP DAPA. "We have started making changes to the way we train and inform our staff so they are getting the information they need to help them stay safe."

As of Feb. 1, the NMCP DAPA office began scheduling smaller group training sessions broken up by health care providers and non-providers. Since starting this new training method, they have seen an 80 percent increase in referrals and self-referrals -- which provide a non-disciplinary process allowing Sailors to receive treatment and stay on active duty.

"We try to make sure our programs are more approachable rather than just saying, 'don't go out and drink,'" said Reilly-Endicott. "We tend to focus more on responsible use when we are providing training. We know our Sailors are going to go out and have fun. We want to make sure they have a plan, know the responsible rate of alcohol consumption, and know what their options are for getting home safely when they do drink."

One of the many options for NMCP Sailors to get home safely is the Safe Ride link on the command's mobile app.

Accessible to all active duty with a password from the DAPA office, Sailors can open the command mobile app and click on the Safe Ride link. Once the password is entered and the link is open, Sailors can tap on a number highlighted in blue that will connect them to Hampton Roads Transportation, Inc.

The company will then dispatch a taxi from one of six companies in the area. When the taxi arrives, the Sailor will be required to enter the cab number, the driver number, and the amount of the fare. Once all of these items are entered, a final tap sends the information back to the command electronically so the taxi can be paid for service rendered.

"With the electronic method, we are now able to make sure the cab companies get paid the next business day," said Reilly-Endicott. "The command is able to pay for the Safe Ride program by using donations from the different associations such as the NMCP Chief Petty Officer Mess and the First Class Petty Officer Association."

Sailors will not be required to reimburse the command unless they use the program inappropriately, such as going from one bar or restaurant to another. Sailors are authorized a single use for the cab to get from a bar or restaurant to their place of residence only.

"The Navy has always recognized the importance of offering a safe choice to their Sailors," said Frank Azzalina, director of Business Development, Hampton Roads Transportation, Inc. "The taxi industry has a long, successful history of getting folks home safely, and cab companies have had Safe Ride accounts with local Navy ships and installations for years."

NMCP is the first command in the area to add the Safe Ride link on the command mobile app with the understanding Sailors may lose a Safe Ride printed card, but it's highly unlikely they will lose their smartphone.

"With apps like the one launched by NMCP, a Sailor can now get home safely at the tap of a couple of buttons," Azzalina added. "It's so easy that there is no reason to ever risk driving if you've been drinking."

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.