Alaska Injury Prevention

Highlights:

2019 Alaska Injury Facts (Falls and Transportation)

Injuries are the leading cause of death among Alaska children and young adults. Unintentional injuries, including car crashes and drownings, are the leading cause of premature death for Alaskans of all ages. Our programs work with partners across the state to prevent these injuries and related health care costs.

Between 2011 and 2015, more than 18,000 injuries in Alaska led to hospitalizations. The four types of injuries that were most likely to lead to hospital care include:

Elder adults falls
Assaults
Car and ATV crashes
Attempted suicides

Injuries are largely a preventable public health problem. The Alaska Injury Prevention Unit and its partners work together to help Alaskans be physically active and safe.

Our program:

Provide support and guidance to the Alaska Statewide Violence and Injury Prevention Partnership. This coordination of violence and injury prevention efforts at the statewide, regional and local level is intended to maximize the use of resources to improve progress towards the following 6 priority topic areas:
1. Child Maltreatment
2. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
3. Suicide
4. Adult Falls
5. Poisonings
6. Transportation.
Educate Alaskans about the risk factors of injuries and about the programs available that can help them prevent those risks.
Engage partners across the state to implement effective strategies to prevent injuries from poisoning, drowning, accidents on roadways or trails, and falls.

Individuals, communities and health care providers can do the following to help Alaskans stay safe:

Individuals

Wear a life vest while on the water. Look for a Kids Don't Float Loaner Board.
Stay active to prevent falls, especially as you get older. Choose physical activities that promote strength and balance. Consider walking groups, yoga classes, berry picking, gardening and dancing.
Walk and bike safely.
Use child safety seats and ensure children are wearing helmets when riding bicycles, snow machines and ATVs.

Communities and Health Care Providers

Prominently post information for the Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222.
Promote pedestrian and bicyclist safety at the community level in both urban and rural areas of Alaska.
Encourage parents to use child safety seats and ensure children are wearing helmets when riding bicycles, snow machines and ATVs.