PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

More than 150,000 Americans died from injuries in 1990 and one in four Americans was injured seriously enough to require medical attention. Further, an estimated 500,000 persons sustain permanent brain and spinal cord injuries in the U.S. annually. The most frequent causes of these injuries are motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports and recreation, and violence. Injuries result in a tremendous financial and productivity loss nationwide, and inflict a great personal burden on the injured and their families. In 1988, the lifetime cost of injuries was estimated at $180 billion. New York's injury statistics mirror those of the nation.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of the THINK FIRST of New York injury prevention program is to reduce injuries, particularly traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, through education of individuals, community leaders and those who formulate public policy. Specific objectives include:

Developing and delivering community education programs, and providing technical assistance and other resources to local community projects

Providing the THINK FIRST Injury Prevention program to students

Collaborating with other injury prevention system components to promote the development and use of educational materials and programs

Developing a statewide public awareness campaign

Working with legislative and executive branches of government to advocate injury prevention

THINK FIRST of New York (cont'd)

Providing consumer advocacy services regarding all issues which reduce the risk of traumatic injury

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

To combat the high incidence of injuries in New York, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control have guided state and local injury control advocates to develop partnerships among public safety community groups, local government, businesses, schools, health care providers, and public health care agencies. These partnerships work to promote prevention of injuries at the community level. In New York State, 13 THINK FIRST programs are active in promoting prevention of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries relating to the following traffic safety issues: use of occupant restraints, safe speed, pedestrian and bicycle safety, alcohol, helmet use and motorcycles and off-highway vehicles. These activities are also included in the THINK FIRST program:

Development of written and informational materials to educate the public

Distribution of bicycle helmets and child safety seats to needy children

Classroom and assembly programs for elementary, middle and high school students

Presentations and exhibitions at national, state, and local conferences and health fairs

Promotion of relevant injury prevention legislation

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 1994, 152,250 students received THINK FIRST injury prevention programs through classroom presentations or assemblies. Student and teacher surveys have indicated an overwhelmingly positive response.

Over 20,000 of the award-winning "Your Child's Safety Is in Your Hands" child safety seat posters were distributed throughout New York, 3,000 to pediatricians.

In addition, five THINK FIRST programs worked with their sponsoring hospitals to conduct safety belt campaigns, and received NHTSA's "70% Honor Roll" seat belt award.