Injury Prevention Program

(732) 418-8026
(732) 418-8097 (fax)
Contact: Diana Starace

Trauma is the major cause of death in the United States, from childhood through middle age. From a motor vehicle collision to a child's fall on a playground, trauma affects us all. The Injury Prevention Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital's Level 1 Trauma Center is dedicated to the prevention of these unintentional injuries and deaths.

As the lead agency for SAFE KIDS Middlesex County (the local coalition of the national SAFE KIDS campaign), the Injury Prevention Program offers services and programming that covers a wide range of childhood risk areas. In addition, the program provides comprehensive education and training in the field of injury prevention for all age groups, from young adults to seniors.

Our programs include:

Car Passenger Safety

Pedestrian Safety

This is an interactive program for elementary-age children that highlights the basics of pedestrian safety, the importance of being visible to drivers, and how to properly cross the street.

Bicycle Safety

Shaken Baby Syndrome

This program includes a video documentary titled "Hush Little Baby" and an interactive discussion of the topic. The intended audience includes high school students, prenatal classes, babysitters, parents and grandparents.

Safety Ambassador Program

This program links local high school students with elementary school children to provide education in the areas of injury prevention and safety. The effectiveness of this teaching method is measured through pre and post tests and teacher feedback.

This is also an opportunity for high school students to volunteer in a leadership capacity and act as role models for younger children in the community. The program makes use of Risk Watch curriculum (National Fire Protection Association) supplemented with materials from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital SAFE KIDS Fair

This is an annual fall event that welcomes elementary school children to a day filled with fun, interactive safety demonstrations and information. The program goal is to increase the practice of safe behaviors in the daily lives of the children in our community. With these skills, they then have the potential to become safe adults.

ENCARE (Emergency Nurses Cancel Alcohol Related Emergencies)

ENCARE includes a range of programs offered through the Emergency Nurses Association and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. There are programs for school-aged children (second grade through fifth grade), high school and college students, and senior citizens. The objective of the program is to alert all age groups to the consequences of improper alcohol use and its effects on day-to-day living.

Senior Safety

Available for senior citizen organizations and assisted living facilities, this PowerPoint presentation and discussion covers safety tips for mature adults. Topics include information on home safety, driving, medications, pedestrian safety, fall prevention, fire and burn prevention and grandchild safety. The program can be modified to meet the needs of the specific audience.

Community Education Workshops

These workshops run approximately one hour and cover an array of topics from poison prevention to gun safety. They can be customized for most audiences and settings.

History

In 1997 the Trauma Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital organized the Injury Prevention Coalition. The coalition at that time consisted of various experts in the field of healthcare focusing on injury prevention and safety. Since that time we have seen significant growth that includes contributions from numerous community partners. In 2001 we joined the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and became the SAFE KIDS of Middlesex County chapter. Due to the efforts of our members and the variety of activities and services provided through our organization, we were granted coalition status in September of 2003.

In 1997 the Trauma Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital organized the Injury Prevention Coalition, which consisted of various experts in the field of healthcare who focused on injury prevention and safety. Since then, the coalition has grown significantly to include contributions from numerous community partners.

In 2001 the Injury Prevention Program partnered with the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and became the SAFE KIDS of Middlesex County chapter. Due to the efforts of our members and the variety of activities and services provided through our organization, we were granted coalition status in September of 2003.

(732) 418-8026
(732) 418-8097 (fax)
Contact: Diana Starace


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