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Child Injury:
Every year, nearly 10,000 children come to our hospital or our Emergency Department because of an injury that could have been prevented. In our community, nearly 120 children die each year from accidental injuries.
Safe Kids Mid-South: A Solution
Safe Kids Mid-South is our answer to the overwhelming numbers of accidental childhood injuries and deaths. Safe Kids Mid-South is committed to a process that will ensure that injuries do not happen in the first place! By teaching safety, improving laws and helping to make homes, schools, community centers and streets more child-friendly, we are working to make those numbers smaller and smaller.
Safe Kids Mid-South is part of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global campaign - the first and only one dedicated to the prevention of unintentional injuries to children. And we are making a difference! An overall decrease in accidental injury has been documented since the coalition's inception in 1992. In particular, there has been a 33 percent decrease in severe injuries to children in car crashes. But more work in needed -until all kids are Safe Kids!
How are We Organized?
Members representing dozens of individuals and organizations interested in the safety and welfare of children in the Mid-South, volunteer their time and expertise. Several Action Teams address various injury risk areas and determine prevention strategies. These include: Buckle Up (child passenger safety), Cycle Smart (wheel safety), Walk This Way (pedestrian safety), Project Get Alarmed (fire and burn prevention), safety in the Home and Public Policy. A medical Advisory Team provides programming guidance and direction.
Efforts are made possible through successful community partnerships, grants and fund-raising opportunities.
What is the Safe Kids Vision?
The vision is that all children will have a safe place to grow and play, free from accidental injury.
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