Preventing Injuries

Island County Public Health is working to reduce deaths and disabilities resulting from intentional and unintentional injury. We are doing this through coordination and implementation of health promotion and education programs and special events. Injury is the leading cause of death in Washington state for people ages 1-34 years. Injuries occur in highly predictable patterns with recognizable risk factors among identifiable populations. Injuries are a preventable health problem. 

Injury in the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Injury Center released an infographic providing a snapshot of injury and violence in the United States and the scope of the problem in terms of morbidity, mortality and cost to society. Prevention strategies for a number of common causes of injuries are also examined.

Injury Prevention

Drowning Prevention

Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children. In 2018, nearly 900 American children younger than 20 died from drowning. A number of strategies are available to prevent these tragedies. Educators, advocates, pediatricians can play an important role in prevention of drowning.

The American Academy of Pediatrics: Prevention of Drowning Report

Bicycle Helmet Safety

Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash. All bicyclists, regardless of age, can protect themselves by wearing properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride.

Falls Prevention in Older Adults

Falling is not a normal part of aging. You can prevent falls by doing the right exercises, making your home safer, getting regular health checkups, and more. Learn steps you can take to stay safe.

Firearm Injury Prevention

The complex public health problem of violence can present in many forms, including assault, homicide, suicide, intimate partner violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and others. These preventable violent injuries and deaths impose a steep human toll and have important economic consequences, including costs for acute care, the need for long-term home health care, loss of productivity, and the inability to reintegrate back into society.

Harborview Injury Prevention Research Institute

The Harborview Injury Prevention Research Institute (HIPRC) works with diverse communities to identify injury and violence prevention concerns and collaborate with community and policy partners to prevent injury and violence.

Healthy People 2030: Injury Prevention Objectives 

Healthy People 2030 focuses on preventing intentional and unintentional injuries, including injuries that cause death.

Falls Prevention Intervention Recommendations for Community Dwelling Older Adults

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found adequate evidence that exercise interventions have a moderate benefit in preventing falls in older adults at increased risk for falls. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that multifactorial interventions have a small benefit in preventing falls in older adults at increased risk for falls.