We don't want to be #1!: A small community's efforts to reduce youth injuries

Background: As part of a county analysis of childhood injuries, researchers noted that one particular zip code has higher rates of injuries occurring over the course of several years. Three sub-reports of the injury data were produced for that zip code, which allowed researchers to begin efforts to reduce injury rates in that area.

Methods: Data has been collected since 2002 (which resulted in a pilot report for 6 months from 3 hospitals) from youth aged 17 or younger who live within the county for a single year. Health care centers provided e-codes that capture how the injury or poisoning happened, the intent, and the place where the event occurred. Since 2002 an annual report for the county has been produced (2003-2011), along with a trend report (2003-2006), and 2007-2009-2011-2012 sub reports for the 44601 zip code. Data on the most common causes of youth injury will be shared.

Results/Outcomes: A local task force was formed to specifically reduce the rate of injuries, and several programs have been implemented. Efforts include distribution of baby gates, a yearly safety event for families, and educational events for parents. Youth injury rates have decreased slightly since the task force efforts began.

Conclusions: Data-driven youth injury prevention programs allow public health professionals to plan, implement, and evaluate efforts in a cyclical manner. Community-based task forces can use this data to strategically plan events aimed at reducing the most common injuries among their youth. New data will be available to share during the presentation.