ASTHO’s 2009-2010 Presidential Challenge
For More Information or to Get Involved
Contact Denise G Osborn, JD, MPH, Director of Injury Prevention & Behavioral Health
dosborn@astho.org(571) 522-2310
Our Challenge to Reduce Preventable Injuries and Death in the United States
Focus Area for March 2010: Teen Dating Violence
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) will partner to create a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing preventable injuries and death. One special focus area will be on evidence based interventions pertaining to injuries and deaths caused by motor vehicle-crashes, the leading cause of death for people ages 1-34 years.
From ASTHO President Paul Halverson (AR)
As incoming president of ASTHO, I challenge state health leaders to study the data, assess their state, and consider adopting at least one policy strategy this year that could lessen the burden of preventable injury and death in their home state. We will draw on the collective expertise and partnerships of our national affiliate partners including State and Territorial Injury Prevention Directors Association (STIPDA) to help us make a difference in reducing preventable injuries and death.
The Burden of Preventable Injuries and Death
Each day, 475 Americans die from injuries obtained in motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and fires - more than twice as many as from diabetes and over four times the number from breast cancer.
For people younger than age 45, injury is the number one cause of death.
The lifetime cost of injuries to society, $406 billion, is greater than for any other health problem.
PLEASE ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE to consider new ideas, become engaged, and work together to save lives that would otherwise be needlessly lost. Proven interventions exist across a broad array of topic areas emphasizing the fact that Injury prevention affects us all. What will be your entry point for you to accomplish much needed change in your home state?
- Falls Prevention
- Motor Vehicle Safety
- Child Maltreatment Prevention
- Home and Recreational Safety
- Child Injury Prevention
- Teen Dating Violence Prevention
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Unintentional Poisoning
The time has come to give injury prevention the attention it deserves.
Dr. Paul Halverson, ASTHO President