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The Indiana SAFE KIDS Coalition was launched on
May 1, 1997 as a statewide initiative by the Automotive
Safety Program at Indiana University School of Medicine,
Riley Hospital for Children through funding provided
by the Indiana Governor's Council on Impaired and
Dangerous Driving Office of Traffic Safety. The Indiana
SAFE KIDS Coalition is part of the National SAFE KIDS
Campaign in Washington D.C., whose national mission
is to raise awareness that preventable injuries are
the leading public health threat to children today.
To accomplish this mission, the National SAFE KIDS
Campaign has built a network of over 240 Local and
State Coalitions across the country that carry out
child injury prevention education through various
forums. The Indiana State SAFE KIDS Coalition has
7 local SAFE KIDS Coalitions and 27 local SAFE KIDS
Chapters across the state.
The Indiana SAFE KIDS Coalition serves as a statewide
voice for individuals and organizations working together
through public education, policy, programs and partnerships
to prevent unintentional injuries to children from
birth to age fourteen. These injuries include:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes
- Pedestrian injuries
- Fires and Scald Burns
- Bike crashes
- Drownings
- Poisonings and chokings
- Unintentional shootings
- Falls
Organizations, agencies, businesses, and individuals
work together on the Coalition through a committee
structure to accomplish these goals. Committees include
Membership, Publicity/Media, Public Policy, Program/Education,
Financial Development, Long-Range Planning, and Data
Collection.
If you or someone you know would like more information
on becoming a part of this important community based
organization or for information about SAFE KIDS in
your community please contact the Indiana SAFE KIDS
Coalition at 317-278-3218 or 888-832-3219. You may
also write to us at Indiana SAFE KIDS Coalition, 575
West Drive, Room 004, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
See a list of Indiana
SAFE KIDS chapters & coalitions
Creating your own SAFE KIDS Chapter
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign, a program of Children's
National Medical Center in Washington D.C., was founded
in 1987 to prevent the number one killer of the nation's
children ages 14 and under-unintentional injuries.
The success of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign to
reduce unintentional injuries and deaths is due to
the over 250 local and state SAFE KIDS Coalitions
across the country. Community SAFE KIDS Chapters are
grassroots efforts affiliated with the Indiana State
SAFE KIDS Coalition and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.
A community SAFE KIDS Chapter brings together those
organizations and individuals interested in preventing
childhood unintentional injuries and deaths. Coming
together as a Chapter allows these groups and individuals
to reach a larger portion of the population in less
time and effort.
By forming a local SAFE KIDS Chapter your community
will tap into the National SAFE KIDS Campaign resources
and create a valuable educational tool for your citizens.
Through the Indiana State SAFE KIDS Coalition, Chapters
have access to free child restraints, grant monies,
discounted bicycle helmets and safety gear. The Indiana
State SAFE KIDS Coalition will provide an annual training
session on childhood injury prevention and coalition
building.
Forming a SAFE KIDS Chapter is an easy task for any
community. To begin follow these easy steps:
- Seek out organizations or individuals that are
interested in childhood injury prevention. These
agencies could be local fire, police, hospitals,
health professionals and educators, just to name
a few.
- Call the Indiana SAFE KIDS Coalition Coordinator,
Keisha Nickolson, at (888) 832-3219 to set up an
informational meeting date. Invite interested individuals
to this meeting.
Indiana SAFE KIDS Coalition Members
There are several representatives from various community,
governmental, and social service agencies throughout
the state of Indiana that support the mission and
vision of Indiana State SAFE KIDS Coalition. Individuals
from these organizations may have an interest and/or
commitment to the safety and injury prevention of
children. They are as follows:
- AAA Hoosier Motor Club
- Automotive Safety Program - IU School of Medicine
- Clarian Health Partners
- Community Education and Child Advocacy Dept. - Riley Hospital for Children
- Dorel Juvenile Group, USA
- Governor's Council for Physical Fitness and Sports
- Governor's Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving
- Home Safe Homes
- Indiana Bicycle Coalition
- Indiana Dept. of Transportation
- Indiana Emergency Medical Services for Children
- Indiana Emergency Nurses Association
- Indiana Parks and Recreation Association
- Indiana Partnership to Prevent Firearm Violence
- Indiana Poison Center
- Indiana State Department of Health
- Indiana State Fire Marshals Office
- Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
- Purdue Cooperative Extension Service
- State Fire Marshal's Office
- Think First Program
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