Injury is a leading cause of death and disability among Wisconsin residents.
In 2019, injury accounted for about 27,000 non-fatal hospitalizations, 393,000 emergency room visits, and more than 5,000 deaths. Of the deaths due to injury, 20% were intentional (self-inflicted or homicide)*.
Injury is recognized nationally and in Wisconsin as a threat to public health. Rather than being random, unpredictable and unavoidable occurrences, injuries can be understood and prevented. The broad category of injury is generally divided into:
- Unintentional injuries (falls, poisonings, motor vehicle crashes, etc.)
- Intentional injuries (homicide, suicide, sexual assault, etc.)
The Wisconsin Injury Prevention and Control Statute (Wis. Stat. § 255.20) directs the Department of Health Services (DHS) to maintain an Injury Prevention Program that includes data collection, surveillance, education, and the promotion of intervention; provides local agencies with technical assistance for effective program development and evaluation; and collaborates with other state agencies to reduce intentional and unintentional injuries.
The Wisconsin Injury and Violence Prevention Program uses multiple prevention measures to reduce harm, focusing on upstream efforts.
*Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Health Informatics. Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health (WISH) data query system, Injury-Related Hospitalizations, Emergency Department Visits and Mortality Module, accessed 2/1/2021.
Violence and Injury Prevention Partnerships
The Wisconsin Violence and Injury Prevention Partnership (WIVIPP) brings together injury and violence prevention professionals from across Wisconsin to create safe and injury-free communities for all. WIVIPP works within a social justice and health equity framework to address the disproportionate burden of injury and violence among marginalized populations across the state. WIVIPP’s mission is to prevent violence and injuries among Wisconsin residents using data, collaborative partnerships, and leveraging of resources.
Membership in WIVIPP is open to individuals and organizations who are committed to the reduction and prevention of injury and violence in Wisconsin. If you are interested in joining the partnership as an individual or as an organizational representative, please reach out to Sara Kohlbeck, WIVIPP co-chair, by phone 414-955-7667 or by email.
Additional Resources
WISH Data
Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health Use this to get the most current data and information on injury-related data, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Additional links to specific injury and violence data pages:
DHS Resources
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Suicide in Wisconsin: Impact and Response report (PDF) This report seeks to mobilize and guide coordinated action to reduce suicide attempts and deaths. Suicide and self-harm surveillance data are presented to inform this action.
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Sexual Violence in Wisconsin fact sheet (PDF) This fact sheet provides emergency department and crime reporting surveillance data for 2017-2019. Survey data provides estimates on the scope of sexual violence in Wisconsin. This fact sheet is intended to describe the impact of sexual violence in Wisconsin to help programs and agencies develop a response.
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Wisconsin Special Emphasis Report: Drug Overdose Deaths, 1999-2013 (PDF) This fact sheet provides data and information on the impact of drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin between 1999-2013. Use this to help understand the history of the overdose epidemic.
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Recommendations for Strengthening the Prevention of Injury and Violence in Wisconsin 2010-2020 (PDF) This report provides an overview on the scope of injury and violence prevention in Wisconsin, and includes data and recommendations for programming.
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Fall Prevention Among Older Adults: An Action Plan for Wisconsin (PDF) This report provides data and information on falls among older adults. Use this report to inform prevention efforts, design community interventions, track what works, improve programs, and model ways to make effective change.
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The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control This is the main page for all injury and prevention control information available through the CDC. Use this page to learn about current efforts at the national level.
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Wisconsin Poison Center Get information on how to poison proof your home, interactive teaching activities for young children, order poison prevention materials, stickers and magnets.
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Program this phone number into your cell phone right now: 1-800-222-1222. This is the nationwide Poison Control Center phone number.
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It connects you to your local poison control center anywhere in the U.S. You will receive free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year from toxicology specialists, including nurses, pharmacists, physicians and poison information providers.
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