DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 26, 2001 DHSS-DPH85-2001 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATE RELEASES FIRST CHILDHOOD INJURY REPORT
Injury is the leading cause of death among Delaware's children aged one to 19 years, according to the state's first statistical report on childhood injuries. The report, issued by the Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS), will be released at a press conference Nov. 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the Dover Sheraton Inn.
"Childhood Injury in Delaware" examines fatal and non-fatal injuries for children ages 0-19 from 1979 to 1998. Unintentional injury data is separated into eight categories: motor vehicle, drowning, burn, choking/strangulation, poisoning, firearm, bicycle and fall. The report also includes statistics on intentional injuries among children - homicides, assaults and suicides.
Press conference speakers will include Michael Skibicki, father of a nine-year-old who recovered from head injuries resulting from a fall. Highlights of the report include:
- Leading causes of injury deaths
- Motor vehicle traffic 47.2%
- Firearm 11.2%
- Fire/burn 10.4%
- Drowning 7.9%
- Leading causes of injury hospitalizations
- Motor vehicle traffic 27%
- Falls 20.5%
- Poisoning 17.6%
- Striking injuries 8%
"This report is intended to be used as a tool for helping to reinforce and establish programs that prevent injuries to the greatest extent possible," said Lt. Gov. John C. Carney, Jr., Honorary Chair of the Delaware Safe Kids Coalition. "Effective programming and resource allocation begins with the type of data contained in this report."
"Childhood Injury in Delaware" was developed in partnership with the Delaware Safe Kids Coalition and the Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
