Everyone Has a Role in Preventing Injuries

By Francesca Brown

In 2023, more than 223,000 deaths occurred in the U.S. due to preventable injuries, according to National Injury Prevention Day. This represents a rate 95% higher than in 1992. The message is clear — injuries are not always accidents, and with thoughtful strategy and awareness, lives can be saved.

Prevention does not have to be a long or tedious process.

“You can prevent an injury and save a life by taking a few moments of your day to safe-proof your home,” said Eric Gonzalez, program manager for injury prevention at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children’s Health Care System.

Every two minutes, a preventable injury-related death occurs in the U.S. Simple steps like locking up medications, placing babies in safe sleep environments, and locking and unloading firearms can dramatically reduce the risk of tragedy.

Shining Green for Safety

Cook Children's Medical Center Fort Worth, will join health organizations across the country in shining green on Nov. 18, National Injury Prevention Day. The color symbolizes safety, health, and “all good things along life’s path,” the motto for National Injury Prevention Day. Along with this symbolic gesture, the Injury Prevention Team will offer sweet treats, educational handouts, and safety resources to families and staff across Cook Children’s Fort Worth and Prosper medical centers, as well as the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center.

Keeping the Conversation Going

“Conversations prompt action,” said Gonzalez.

Although Nov. 18 is the official day of recognition, the importance of injury prevention continues year-round. Gonzalez encourages children, friends, and neighbors to make safety conversations a regular part of daily life.

“It’s not about telling someone they’re doing something wrong,” he explained. “It’s about teaching each other how to prevent injuries and keep our loved ones safe”.

Cook Children’s injury prevention team educates families, children, and community partners on drowning prevention, gun safety, poison prevention, safe baby sleep, and vehicle safety.

If you are passionate about making a difference, consider becoming an Injury Prevention Ambassador or attending a community safety training.

For more information, email injury.prevention@cookchildrens.com.

Fast Facts

In 2023, the U.S. recorded over 48,000 firearm-related deaths.
Preventable injuries are the No. 1 cause of death for Americans ages 1–44.
Falls are the No. 2 cause and lead to over 8.8 million nonfatal injury visits each year.
Motor vehicle crashes remain in the top three for both fatal and nonfatal injuries.