Washington, D.C., April 4, 2011 –
The American Public Health Association kicks off 2011 National Public Health Week (NPHW) today with a dedicated focus on preventing injuries, the leading cause of death for people ages 1-44.
Through this year’s theme — “Safety is No Accident: Live Injury-Free” — APHA continues its broad vision to make America the healthiest and safest nation in one generation by raising awareness of the importance of preventing violence and injuries in every community across the country.
Beginning today and throughout NPHW, April 4-10, APHA and hundreds of partners are urging all Americans to take small steps toward preventing injuries and keeping themselves and their families safe.
“While the public health community has made remarkable achievements in injury prevention and safety within the past few decades, there is still much work to be done to limit the devastating impact — measured in lives lost and health care dollars spent — that injuries and violence have on all communities,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. “This week presents an opportunity to raise awareness of this growing public health concern and engage key members of the community to address the problem and find long-term solutions.”
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) introduced resolutions this week in Congress recognizing National Public Health Week and the critical role public health can play in preventing injuries and keeping people safe.
Daily themes will focus on various actions Americans can take to help raise awareness and prevent injuries and violence in all aspects of their life.
- Monday: At Home – Learn what precautions you can take to make your home a safer place.
- Tuesday: At Work – Conduct safety trainings and wear protective equipment to reduce exposures to hazards at work.
- Wednesday: At Play – Host a sports and recreation-related injury awareness event.
- Thursday: On the Move – Remain alert while on the move and wear a seat belt.
- Friday: In Your Community – Be mindful of your environment and work with local authorities to address public safety issues.
For more about National Public Health Week and to learn about events in your community, visit http://www.nphw.org.