Carle Foundation Hospital - Progressive Agriculture Safety Days®

What is it?

The Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety at Carle Foundation Hospital, along with local school districts, sponsored four Progressive Agriculture Safety Days^® in 2014. The program allows community leaders to educate area elementary students on basic safety issues and emergency response. Local farmers, manufacturers and merchants donate their time and equipment to ensure that each Safety Day is a fun and valuable learning experience. Children participate in interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety and respecting parents’ safety rules. Demonstration topics include hazards associated with chemicals, grain bins and water. For more information, please visit the website.

Who is it for?

Elementary school students at several area schools

Why do they do it?

The goal is to help children recognize and avoid farm- and agriculture-related hazards.

Impact

Nearly 800 children attended Safety Days in 2014. Before this national program was available, more than 300 children died annually on U.S. farms. That has decreased to approximately 100. In Carle’s service area, fewer children are hospitalized for accidental injuries than in similar Illinois communities.

Contact: Amy Rademaker
Rural Health and Farm Safety Specialist
Telephone: 217-326-8506
Email: farmsafety@carle.com