Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death and disability to U.S. children 1-18 years old? Every day, 20 children needlessly die from preventable injuries – resulting in more deaths than all other diseases combined. The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable with the use of safety practices, products, and policies.
Injury Free Coalition for Kids (IFCK) ® is launching the country’s first National Injury Prevention Day on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020.
IFCK® is comprised of over 40 university sites located in Level I trauma centers in 30 states across the country. Each site has hospital-based, community-oriented injury prevention programs anchored in research, education, and advocacy. The mission of IFCK® is to prevent childhood injuries. Coalition members work to empower the diverse populations in their region to address the injuries most prevalent in their communities.
Injury Free – Baltimore is comprised of the Injury Prevention Program at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
On November 18th, Injury Free Coalitions around the nation will come together to honor Injury Prevention Day.
- Landmarks and bridges around the nation will shine a green light for injury prevention, including the Johns Hopkins Hospital Dome and the Baltimore City Hall Dome.
- Live Twitter Chat with Injury Free Sites and their institutions from 1 – 2pm EST. Follow #BeInjuryFree, @JHCCTraumaBurn, and @JohnsHpkinsCIRP to participate in the twitter conversation on injuries.
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Podcast “Public Health on Call” will feature Injury Free and Injury Prevention Day, hosted by Dr. Josh Sharfstein, Associate Dean for Practice, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
- Injury Free – Baltimore is receiving a Baltimore City Mayoral Proclamation from the Baltimore City Mayor, Bernard C. “Jack” Young.
- Injury Free Sites around the country are participating in various events to raise awareness for injury prevention through virtual webinars, safety fairs, safety kits, collaboration with community organizations and many more!
- Wear green to honor Injury Prevention Day! Green is an affirming and positive color, and often stands for peace.
To show MD TraumaNet’s support and to raise awareness for injury prevention, print out this National Injury Prevention Day Sign and share why you advocate for injury prevention, an injury prevention safety tip, or general words of staying safe. Post a selfie or photo on social media using the hashtag #BeInjuryFree and tag us on Twitter. Click on the image to open the printable sign.
For more information on National Injury Prevention Day, visit the Injury Free Coalition for Kids website.
Creason Schafer, BC, CHES, CPST
Community Outreach Specialist
Injury Prevention Program
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
IFCK – Baltimore
