Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability to U.S. children ages 1 to 18 years old. Every day, 20 children die from injuries resulting in more deaths than all other diseases combined.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital news release
The Institute for Public Health is supporting the country’s top injury and violence prevention organizations, who are joining forces this Thursday, November 18 for the second annual National Injury Prevention Day to raise awareness for injury prevention and save the lives of children. The Injury Free Coalition for Kids®, Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe States Alliance, the American Trauma Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are just a few of the many organizations that are taking part in National Injury Prevention Day. As the sun goes down on November 18, hospitals, landmarks, businesses, monuments, neighborhoods and government offices are being asked to shine a green light to highlight the significance of injuries to children and the importance of injury prevention.
In addition to “going green”, the Coalition will host a live conversation via twitter chat about the country’s top injury and violence concerns. To join the conversation use #BeInjuryFree at 12:00 CST.
To learn more about what is being done in other cities across the country go to www.injuryfree.org.