The unintentional injury-related death rate among children ages 14 and under declined more than 40 percent from 1987 to 2001 according to Safe Kids USA. However, unintentional injury remains the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under in the United States. In order to combat these grim statistics, Indiana has been successful in establishing local Safe Kids chapters and coalitions through Safe Kids USA and local community lead agencies.

Safe Kids Indiana promotes the awareness and prevention of unintentional injury through various programs and community events statewide. The State Coalition has a network of over 30 local Safe Kids Chapters throughout the northern, central, and southern part of Indiana. These local chapters consist of a collaboration of law enforcement, fire fighters, health departments, hospitals, and other community service agencies. Safety education programming for parents and children on various injury risk areas such as motor vehicle safety, bicycle/helmet safety, water safety, poison prevention, pedestrian safety, and fire prevention occur year round throughout the state.

Please click here to download the Indiana RISK WATCH Project power point presentation that contains information on Indiana’s injury and death rates for children 19 and under. These statistics were gathered from the WISQARS database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and compiled by the Community Education and Child Advocacy Department at Riley Hospital for Children.