Injury Prevention Program

Injury Prevention ProgramSafe Kids SJ Logo

The Injury Prevention Program works to reduce both intentional and unintentional injuries across the lifespan, from birth through older adulthood.

As the lead agency of the Safe Kids San Joaquin County Coalition, Public Health Services coordinates activities, trainings, and community outreach in the following focus areas:
• Safe Sleep
• Medication Safety
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
• Drowning Prevention
• Child Passenger Safety

The program also supports community-wide initiatives that aim to reduce injuries and promote safety for all age groups.

Safe Kids San Joaquin County Coalition

Safe Kids San Joaquin County is part of the global Safe Kids Worldwide network, a coalition dedicated to preventing childhood injuries—the leading cause of death and disability among children. By bringing together community partners, health professionals, schools, and local organizations, the coalition works to create safer environments for children and families.

The coalition meets bi-monthly to:
• Share updates on local injury prevention efforts
• Discuss emerging safety issues affecting children and families
• Coordinate trainings, outreach events, and safety campaigns
• Collaborate on strategies to reduce preventable injuries and deaths

Through these efforts, Safe Kids San Joaquin County fosters a community-driven approach to injury prevention. By combining resources and expertise, coalition members strengthen the impact of local programs and provide families with the knowledge and tools they need to keep children safe.

Get Involved
Community members, organizations, and partners are encouraged to join the coalition and help make San Joaquin County a safer place for children and families. To learn more or to get involved, please contact Jessica Freeman jfreeman1@sjcphs.org or call at (209)468-3872.

Bike SafetyWearing a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of severe head injury by up to 85%. Safe Kids educates children and families about helmet use, proper fit, and safe riding practices.


Resources:
• Fast Facts - Bicycling Injuries | Safe Kids Worldwide
• Safety in Seconds: Bike Helmets | Safe Kids Worldwide
• Getting To School Safely | Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Sleep
Creating a safe sleep environment helps protect infants from sleep-related deaths. We educate parents and caregivers on the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
• Alone – Baby should sleep in their own space (no bed-sharing).
• Back – Always place baby on their back for naps and bedtime.
• Crib – Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet; keep the sleep area free of loose items.

Resources:
Safe Sleep San Joaquin Toolkit Webinar

Safe Sleep San Joaquin Brochure (English|Spanish)
Safe Sleep Poster (English|Spanish)
Information for Grandparents (English|Spanish)
Frequently Asked Questions (English|Spanish)
Safe Sleep San Joaquin Parent Presentation (English|Spanish)
MCAH Referral Form (English)
Presentation Tracking Form (English)
American Academy of Pediatrics ‐ How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe

Swim Safety

Drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable injury-related deaths in young children. With the right precautions, it can be avoided.

Top Tips for Water Safety:
• Always ensure close adult supervision
• Enroll children in swim lessons
• Learn CPR and keep skills updated

Resources:

Medication SafetyMedication safety is key to keeping individuals and families healthy. Proper use, storage, and disposal prevent misuse, overdoses, and accidental poisonings.

Tips for Medication Safety:
• Follow label instructions or healthcare provider guidance
• Never share prescriptions
• Store medications locked and out of children’s reach
• Check expiration dates regularly

Resources:

Additional Resources

Safe Kids Worldwide® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping kids safe by preventing unintentional injuries in children ages 0-14. Visit their website for up-to-date information and tips.

Safe Kids Worldwide