NEWSLETTER ARTICLE:

State Injury and Violence Prevention Programs

Instructions: A customized newsletter can be developedthat will address the importance of state injury and violence prevention programs. Feel free to change the information below and edit this sample newsletter articleto fit the specific needs of any state, region, or community. Be sure to insert the correct information in each blank and include additional data and facts as appropriate. Refer to the CDC’s injury website ( for additional facts or statistics.

Almost everyday, stories involving unintentional injuries and acts of violenceare widely covered by our local and national media. In light of this, it is increasingly important that we maintainstate injury and violence prevention programs that can effectively provide the assistance and support necessary for us to thrive and live our lives to their fullest potential.

In 1998, the National Academy of Science stated that “injury is probably the most under-recognized public health threat facing the nation today.” According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), injuries and acts of violence are among the leading causes of death for Americans in the first four decades of life.

In 2006 in the U.S., over 179,000 people died from unintentional and violence-related injuries. Every 60 seconds, hospital emergency departments treat an average of 55 people for unintentional and violence-related injuries.

Locally, [insert stats].

Over the years, the public health effort to prevent injuries has saved many lives. Between 1966 and 1990, 240,000 U.S. lives were saved because of injury prevention efforts like improved motor vehicle and highway designs, increased use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets, and enforcement of laws regarding speeding and driving under the influence.

[insert information about your state-specific program(s)]

For more information about stateinjury and violence prevention programs in [name of community], please contact [department name] at [contact #].

Editor’s Note: For data sources, please visit .