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Most parents work hard to keep their children healthy – immunizations, nutritious meals, regular checkups. But many parents don’t realize that unintentional injuries are responsible for more deaths and disability to children than all childhood diseases combined.
Many people are unaware of potential dangers. Often measures are not taken that could prevent or drastically reduce the seriousness of unintentional injuries.
Injuries to children are down 45 percent over the past 20 years, but much work needs to be done. Working within the Safe Kids Worldwide network of almost 600 grassroots organizations around the United States, 17 member countries, our headquarters in Washington, D.C., lead agencies, sponsors, government agencies and officials, legislators, the public, and the media -- we will continue to find new ways to increase public awareness of the global public health crisis of childhood injury.
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Each year approximately 7,200 U.S. children are killed and at least 50,000 are permanently disabled by preventable injuries. These injuries cost society $165 billion annually.
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This year, one in four (approximately 13 million) children 14 and under will be hurt seriously enough to require medical attention.
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Education and prevention are the keys to reducing these numbers.
Safe Kids, the first national non-profit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury, was launched in 1988 to address what was then a little recognized problem: More children under age 14 were dying from what people call “accidents” (motor vehicle crashes, fires and other injuries) than from any other cause.
The Safe Kids Washoe County Coalition was established in 2000 as part of a growing nationwide effort to find ways to reduce unintentional injuries.
As part of the Safe Kids USA , Safe Kids Washoe County brings together people and organizations interested in the well-being of children.
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To address the most prevalent childhood injuries in Washoe County through target programs.
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To establish uniform injury data collection methods.
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To increase public awareness of ways to prevent childhood injuries.
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To support collaborative efforts to community agencies in their effort to prevent childhood injury.
Through community action, public awareness and education, technology, and public policy initiatives, state and local coalitions are creating safer homes and communities for children. Injury problems specific to their areas are targeted. Whether it’s bicycle and helmet safety, the use of child restraints in vehicles, or building safer playgrounds, coalitions are closing the injury prevention gap in communities.
The mission of the Safe Kids Campaign is clear – to prevent deaths and injuries to children ages 14 and under from:
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Motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian injuries
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Poisoning and choking
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Bike crashes
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Fire and scald burns
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Drownings
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Unintentional shootings
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Falls
Safe Kids Washoe County’s success is based on the unique power of many local organizations that bring together a cross-section of community leadership including:
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Hospitals
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Paramedics
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Medical and health professionals
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Law enforcement officers
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Firefighters
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Educators
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Businesses and Casinos
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Public policy makers
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Parents and other volunteers
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KIDS
For general program information, call 858-KIDS. To contact our coordinator, Melissa Krall, call 858-5700, ext. 6227 or email at mkrall@remsa-cf.com.
450 Edison Way 
Reno,
Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax
(775)858-5720
Schwartz