Rhode Island Hospital - Injury Prevention Center

Overview

In 1998, after years of seeing firsthand the devastating impact of injuries, Rhode Island Hospital decided to create a center dedicated to preventing injuries from occurring in the first place. The Injury Prevention Center (IPC) is based at Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children’s Hospital. IPC leaders developed a framework for the center that integrates community outreach programming, research, and education. This multifaceted approach allows the IPC to make an impact on local residents, the academic community, the medical community, and state policymakers.

The IPC has developed programs in the areas of alcohol and injury, motor vehicle safety, bicycle safety, fire safety, home safety, and medical student and resident education. IPC leaders continue to develop partnerships in the community and to work closely with state organizations. By working together, center staff, investigators, collaborators, funders, and partners have launched more than 20 programs and projects in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries in Rhode Island.

Impact

IPC hosts multiple events throughout the year, including car seat check events, trainings, workshops and presentations. IPC staff annually checks more than 500 car seats, distributes hundreds of car seats to needy families, and, most importantly, reaches thousands of families with important safety information.

Challenges/success factors

It is challenging to have a long-term sustainable program and presence in the community. Brief programs that cannot get rooted within the community have difficulty making meaningful impacts. The IPC’s 11-year history of continuous community programming has allowed it to develop sustainable partnerships that are respected by the community, as well as make a difference in the community.

Future direction/sustainability

The IPC is continuously looking for new partnerships. IPC leaders are interested in establishing and expanding partnerships with other non-profits and corporate partners who share their vision. The IPC seeks to expand the Center’s home safety and sports safety programs to reach more children and families in the region.

Advice to others

Develop a long-term strategy utilizing a community coalition to learn more about your community and its needs. Use data to accurately describe the problem to be addressed. Then continue to engage the community and your partners to be responsive to changes in the environment, and demonstrate your continued presence and commitment to the community.

Contact: Dina Morrissey
Program Coordinator
Telephone: 401-444-5018
E-mail: dmorrissey@lifespan.org