Injury Free Coalition for Kids Continues Its Lifesaving Work: Holds 6th National Injury Prevention Day

Organizations across the nation recognized National Injury Prevention Day on November 18th, a day dedicated to preventing injuries and violence, the leading cause of death and hospitalization for Americans ages 1-44. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, NIPD empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to prevent injuries and promote safety for all.

This nationwide initiative, now in its sixth year, is led by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids®, based in the Center for Injury Science and Prevention at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, which launched the inaugural “National Injury Prevention Day” in 2020 amid the COVID 19 epidemic. The community-oriented injury prevention program currently partners with Safe States Alliance and more than 120 public health organizations committed to safer, healthier communities. United by a shared vision of a future where injuries are not considered inevitable, but preventable, and safety is not optional, it's prioritized.

"Everyone deserves to live, work, and play in safe communities," says Barbara Barlow, MD, Professor Emerita of Surgery in Epidemiology at Columbia University, Columbia Public Health, and Founding Director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids®. "National Injury Prevention Day shows what's possible when we come together to promote safety and prevent injuries for all."

"Preventing needless injuries and acts of violence extends far beyond one day. It is our collective vision that communities and decision makers see the value in prevention and join our effort to keep America safe," says Sharon Gilmartin, MPH, Executive Director for Safe States.

The CDC Injury Center, the nation's leading resource for preventing injuries and saving lives, plays a vital role in preventing suicide, overdose, motor vehicle crashes, and other leading causes of injury and violence in all 50 states. Its funding supports countless community-based programs that work every day to keep America safe.

“Unfortunately, this lifesaving work is at risk. Without sustained federal support, the programs, data systems, and local prevention initiatives that communities rely on will be diminished or lost completely,” noted Charles Branas, PhD, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Gelman Professor of Epidemiology. “Funding for the CDC Injury Center must be protected and preserved to ensure its critical work across communities continues.”