For the past 16 years, JoAnn Hellmann has fought on the front lines of a never ending and tragic war, the war against drunk driving.

As a co-founder, former director and panel facilitator of the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County, or IDIPIC, she’s one of our community’s greatest unsung heroes.

A victim and warrior both, she’s spent years tirelessly educating others about of the perils of driving under the influence.

She undoubtedly saved lives, yet most are likely unaware of her mighty contribution.

Hellmann is retiring this month and we’d like to express appreciation and gratitude for all she’s done.

IDIPIC was formed in 2000 by Hellmann and Karen Lewis to decrease incidents of DUIs and underage drinking in Island County. The organization also provided “creative sentencing” for court-ordered DUI and minor-in-possession offenders who would have otherwise have had to travel off-island.

Since its inception, facilitators presented more than 400 impact panels and presented numerous age-appropriate programs at local schools. More than 32,000 individuals attended prevention panels and thousands more organization programs.

Sadly, the war against drunk driving will likely never be won.

When someone who is impaired gets behind the wheel, they not only their own lives, but also the lives of others.

More than 10,000 deaths are attributed to DUIs nationwide every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the past two years alone, three people died on Whidbey Island in what police suspect were alcohol- or drug-related accidents.

The victims include 61-year-old Tim Keil of Freeland, a family man who was active in his church and who was, ironically, involved in helping suffering alcoholics to achieve sobriety; Keesha Harden, an 18-year-old Coupeville resident; and, just this month, Randall Lorraine, 58, of Langley, struck from behind while riding his bike home from work.

Those accused in the above fatalities are each in different stages of the court process, and, at this time, none have been found guilty of vehicular homicide.

Such cases, however, tell us that alcohol and drugs remain a major problem in Island County.

How much worse the issue might that problem be without people like Hellmann and others at IDIPIC? It’s hard to know for sure, but we believe the number is many.

For making a difference on Whidbey Island, JoAnn, and for being willing to fight this heartbreaking war so long and hard, you have our appreciation, and hopefully that of those whose lives you saved over the years through your efforts.