Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center Recognized as Affiliate Support Center for Safe Communities America
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 9, 2012) - The National Safety Council – the U.S. leader for the International Safe Communities movement – has designated UK's Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) as an Affiliate Support Center for Safe Communities America. KIPRC is the first support center designated by the National Safety Council since the Council became an official Certifying Center in 2010. Communities have been seeking the Safe Community designation around the world since 1989.
Through the Safe Community designation process, a coalition – made up of local businesses, the fire protection district, park district, law enforcement, public health organizations and schools – is formed to create and improve programs to cover identified risk areas that specifically address community-specific injury data.
“Communities in the U.S. are engaging in this program because they understand the importance of keeping everyone safe where they work, live and play,” said Donna Stein-Harris, senior director of Safe Communities America for NSC. “This new designation as an Affiliate Support Center gives KIPRC the ability to accelerate this safety movement to communities across the nation.”
As an Affiliate Safe Communities Support Center, KIPRC will act as mentor and guide communities to build their capabilities toward qualifying for Safe Community designation and promote community development. There are currently 20 communities in the Safe Communities America network with an additional 12 in various stages of the application process.
“The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center is excited for the opportunity to support Safe Communities model approaches for the establishment and sustainability of injury prevention at the community level, encompassing both general and working populations,” said Terry Bunn, director of the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center.
"Safety and injury prevention are important at all stages of life and in all areas of the community," said acting DPH Commissioner Dr. Steve Davis. "The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center will be a great resource as our cities and rural communities take the necessary steps to build Safe Communities across Kentucky."
NSC is the International Certifying Center for the U.S. through the Safe Communities America program, guiding community stakeholders to reduce injuries and promote safety for the residents of their communities. NSC designated KIPRC as an Affiliate Support Center at the CDC/Safe States Conference on May 4.
For more information, please visit safecommunitiesamerica.org.
About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council (nsc.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety and safety beyond the workplace.