West Reading, PA., – St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, a leading pediatric hospital, and Reading Hospital – Tower Health are joining the Injury Free Coalition for Kids in launching the Inaugural U.S. National Injury Prevention Day today, Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Physicians, nurses, and other providers at Level I Trauma Centers around the country will join forces to address the pediatric injuries most prevalent in their communities and advocate for prevention. City landmarks across the country will shine green lights as a reminder to keep safety top of mind.
The Injury Free Coalition for Kids is a hospital-based, community-oriented injury prevention program whose efforts are anchored in research, education, and advocacy. Currently, the Coalition includes more than 30 sites located in as many cities, each housed in their participating institution’s trauma center. St. Christopher’s is the only member of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids in eastern Pennsylvania.
“Injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the United States,” said Donald Mueller, CEO at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. “Our team has been working with the Injury Free Coalition since 2005. Their methods have proven to reduce injuries in children across the U.S., and each member organization focuses on the most common injuries in the communities they serve. In Philadelphia, the most common injuries involving children are falls, burns, and auto/pedestrian accidents.”
The health system has launched a virtual Safety Zone website at injuryfreephiladelphia.org to share safety videos and information targeted to children and families to celebrate National Injury Prevention Day. In addition, employees at St. Christopher’s and Reading Hospital will be distributing more than 600 gift bags to patients with safety tips and information focusing on falls, burns, pedestrian safety, and more. St. Christopher’s has also been working with city leaders and landmarks to join the national effort and light up in green on November 18. The Ben Franklin Bridge, Boathouse Row, PECO Crown Lights, Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia Union MLS stadium, and the Ronald McDonald House have signed on to raise awareness.
