May is National Trauma Awareness Month. In 1988, Ronald Reagan recognized the need for trauma awareness and established May as the month for us to dedicate our time and resources to increasing education and prevention activities.
Since then, the American Trauma Society has worked with other trauma organizations, some of which have included CDC, NHTSA, EMSC, Safe Kids, National Safety Council, MADD, and the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) to spread the message of injury prevention in their communities. Each year, a new focus is designated which relates to injury prevention and raising trauma awareness. Over the years the following have been some of the campaign themes of National Trauma Awareness Month: Drunk Driving, Teen Driving, Sports Injuries (General)Safety at Home Water, Safety Head Injuries/Helmet use
This year with a documented rise in violence throughout our nation, the theme “Safe Surroundings: Preventing Violence and Promoting Peace Community by Community” is both timely and appropriate for our trauma centers to promote. Injury and Violence Prevention professionals from throughout nation have been responding to the rise in intentional injuries and deaths. Raising awareness and supporting violence prevention efforts is more important now than ever. This year’s committee chose four areas to focus prevention efforts on including:
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Firearm Injury Prevention
- Mental Health Awareness
- Community Violence Intervention
Join us in spreading the message of safety in your communities. Reach out to us for any resource you may need.