Injury prevention strategy

Injury Alliance applauds the federal government for commitment to national injury prevention strategy for children

Preventable injuries are the leading cause of death in young Canadians. Safe Communities Canada, Safe Kids Canada, SMARTRISK and ThinkFirst Canada - the four national injury prevention organizations known as the Injury Alliance - congratulate the Government of Canada for its bold commitment to strategic action on injury prevention for children in yesterday's Speech from the Throne.

The speech included the following statement: "To prevent accidents that harm our children and youth, our Government will also work in partnership with non-governmental organizations to launch a national strategy on childhood injury prevention." 

"Tragically, an estimated 90 percent of all unintentional injuries are preventable," says Rebecca Nesdale-Tucker of ThinkFirst Canada. "We urgently need strategic action to create a safer Canada because life after a traumatic injury is never the same."

Injury prevention organizations, including the Injury Alliance members and the Canadian Collaborating Centres for Injury Prevention, seek a society free of catastrophic injury. These organizations all work to help families, as well as institutions, invest in research and apply proven solutions to address the preventable causes of injury.

"With investment in proven solutions, we can build on the foundations of injury prevention in Canada and develop sustainable strategies to address the burden of injury in this country, says Paul Kells of Safe Communities Canada.:"

"As the Injury Alliance we are committed to applying our organizations' collective knowledge, passion and experience in health promotion and injury prevention to reduce the devastation suffered by thousands of young Canadians every year. This announcement offers us a significant opportunity to use our demonstrated skills in community development, social planning and social marketing; our vast network of organizations, professionals and volunteers across Canada and the world; and our recognized reputations as collaborative national leaders," says Pamela Fuselli of Safe Kids Canada.

"Preventable injuries in Canada cost our economy $19.8 billion annually, more than any other health challenge," says Robert Baker of SMARTRISK. "We need to work together to reduce this burden on individuals and society."

Published: Sat, May 29, 2010