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Injury Prevention
Injury Prevention
Injuries are not simply "accidents" – random acts of fate or the result of carelessness – but events to be understood and prevented. Research and experience show that most injuries are completely preventable.
Injury, not disease, is the leading killer of our children, teens and young adults. Both intentional and unintentional injuries rank among the top 10 leading causes of death for every age group. In Vermont, injuries are the leading cause of death among persons aged 15 to 44, and the fifth leading cause of death among people of all ages. Each year, more than 400 Vermonters die, and thousands of others are hospitalized due to injury.
Whether they are unintentional or the result of intentional or violent acts, most injuries can be prevented with public health interventions. Knowing how to properly restrain a child in a car seat or seat belt, properly store and dispose of medications, or prevent falls in older adults are basic actions that can help prevent many injuries.
Hotlines, Resources and Support
Emergencies or immediate danger — Dial or Text 9-1-1
Northern New England Poison Center
800-222-1222
Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-228-7395
Sexual Violence & Rape Hotline – 800-489-7273
Child Abuse
Child Protection – 800-649-5285
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the State of Vermont's toll-free 24-hour Child Protection Line.
Get more information on reporting child abuse and neglect visit the Department for Children and Families(link is external).
Childhood Lead Poisoning
800-439-8550
Adult Protective Services
Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living – 800-564-1612
Be Seat Smart Child Passenger Safety Program
888-868-7328 (1-888-VMT-SEAT)
Additional Resources
Contact Us
Phone: 802-863-7596
In This Section
Many Vermonters are affected by falls at some point in their life. People who are 65 years and older are increasingly at risk of falling, and therefore potentially injury. As we age, we are more likely to be injured in a fall.
Suicide touches the lives of many Vermonters. Our intentional self-harm and death by suicide rates are significantly higher than the United States rates. Find help, learn about warning, signs, risk and protective factors. Read about what Vermont is doing to prevent suicide.
We're all road users – when we are driving, walking, cycling, passengers in a vehicle, and when using other transport. The Road User Safety program aims to reduce injury and deaths, and make Vermont roads safer for all of us.
In an overdose, opioids can slow breathing to the point of death. To save lives, the Health Department gives out a medication called naloxone (brand name Narcan®) that can reverse an overdose.
Vermont's Child Passenger Safety Program is designed to draw attention to the importance of child car seats and to help caregivers understand the 4 Stages of Seat Safety.
Vermont's lakes, rivers and swimming holes are an important part of our recreational landscape. Whether boating, swimming or just splashing around, here are tips to safely enjoy waterways and pools.