SWRETAC believes that since trauma is a preventable disease, as a group we need to focus our funding and activities to increasing awareness and decreasing disability and death.   Our Injury Prevention Committee, chaired by Amy Allen, RN, has been working on a number of projects identified through regional data evaluation.   

 

Helmet Safety - Originally rolled our a program for skateboard injuries and through donations were able to purchase and distribute a number of dual certified helmets to individuals and families in SW Colorado.  This project was then adopted by Mercy Regional Medical Center and falls under their new program "Gray Matters", in which they have expanded to ski helmet activities and beyond.

 

Occupant Protection - Many of the  injuries and deaths  in SW Colorado are related to motor vehicle related accidents.   Through the generosity of Colorado Dept of Transportation, our RETAC was able to hire a contractor to work specifically in this area (see Regional Occupant Protection tab for additional information). 

 

Elderly Falls - In reviewing recent data from area hospitals, our CQI committee was able to identify the high incidence of elderly falls (both regionally and statewide).   These injuries can not only be devastating to the senior but it can also have quite an impact on the family and healthcare system.   In FY 2010-2011 SWRETAC is focusing on this issue.  We can use your help!  If you want to become involved or know of a stakeholder that would be helpful in our efforts, please contact the SWRETAC office at swretac@gmail.com.    Thank you for your assistance in preventing traumatic injury.