Nov. 18: Local safety experts, advocates ‘turn Portland green’ in recognition of National Injury Prevention Day

National Injury Prevention Day

A toddler sitting in the child car seat with the mother helping to buckle and fasten seat beat properly to stay safe while driving. Learn more car safety tips during National Injury Prevention Day. (Getty Images)

MEDIA ALERT

WHAT: 

OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital will join forces with the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, as well as dozens of children’s hospitals across the United States, to recognize National Injury Prevention Day, Nov. 18, 2021.

This observation, which began in 2020, is designed to raise awareness about the burden of injury, violence and a need for change. 

Community members are invited to take part in the following events on Nov. 18:
 

• 10 a.m. PT – #BeInjuryFree Twitter chat, hosted by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids
  The country’s top injury and violence prevention specialist, including experts from the OHSU Doernbecher Injury Prevention Program, will discuss ways that families can lower the risk of injury in cars, water and at home. Learn how to participate in the Twitter chat here.
   
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Firearm safety education, giveaway
  The best way to prevent firearm-related injury in the home is to ensure proper storage of guns. Families are invited to visit the Tom Sargent Safety Center to speak with an Injury Prevention Health Education about safe firearm storage options. Firearm cable locks will also be given away, free of charge, while supplies last. 
  
  The Tom Sargent Safety Center is located in the main lobby of OHSU Doernbecher, 700 S.W. Campus Drive, Portland. 
  
   
• Beginning at dusk – “Turn Portland green” bridge and building lighting
  To help shine a light on the importance of injury prevention, OHSU Doernbecher will turn Portland’s Morrison Bridge, as well as the OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building on Portland’s South Waterfront, green. 

WHO: 

Ben Hoffman, M.D., professor of pediatrics at OHSU Doernbecher, and medical director of the OHSU Doernbecher Injury Prevention Program, is available for virtual interviews about:

• The importance of injury prevention, not just on Nov. 18, but all year round
• Tips to help keep kids and families safe during the holiday season, cold weather months
• Safety services and resources available through the OHSU Doernbecher Injury Prevention Program and Tom Sargent Safety Center

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR EDITORS: 

Preventable injuries are the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, more than 7,000 kids and teens died from unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, drownings, window falls or poisonings -- approximately 20 preventable deaths each day. 
 

Six Ways to Keep Your Family Safe Today
OHSU Doernbecher Injury Prevention Program

1. Properly use and install child safety seats, seat belts in the car.
2. Wear a properly fitted helmet when riding bikes, participating in contact sports.
3. Install window locks, safety gates to limit falls.
4. Lock up firearms, cleaning products and medications.
5. Install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
6. Secure heavy, tall furniture to the wall.