Safe Kids Injury Prevention
Protecting Children from Preventable Injury
Community Health Alliance serves as lead agency for both the Safe Kids Missoula Coalition and Safe Kids Montana state office. Safe Kids Missoula and Safe Kids Montana are part of Safe Kids Worldwide’s global network of more than 400 grassroots coalitions dedicated to protecting children from preventable injury—the leading cause of death for children in the U.S. and here in Montana. Since Safe Kids Worldwide’s founding in 1988 the child death rate from unintentional injury has decreased by nearly 60 percent in the U.S. through education and advocacy efforts of these grassroots coalitions.
Why It Matters
When we talk about preventing injuries, we’re not talking about skinned knees, bruised shins, and scraped elbows. Those are telltale signs of a curious child exploring the world, pushing limits, and seeking adventure. Safe Kids knows there are things we can do to ensure those bumps and bruises don’t turn into disabling injuries and deaths.
When a child dies or is seriously hurt as the result of a preventable injury, families’ lives are changed forever. But, the important thing to remember about preventable injuries is that they are preventable.
By increasing awareness, educating parents and caregivers about preventative practices, and offering resources and protective equipment like car seats, we are helping to ensure all children can grow up healthy and safe, and do all the great things kids are meant to do.
