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Injury and Violence Prevention Branch

Injury is a serious public health problem in North Carolina and in the nation because of its impact on health including premature death, disability and the burden on the health care system. Injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults and the fourth leading cause of death for all ages. Injuries disproportionately affect children, minority populations, and older adults. Leading causes of deaths from injury include motor vehicle crashes, homicide, suicide, falls, fires and burns, poisoning, and drowning.

Like diseases, injuries do not occur at random. They are predicable and, therefore, preventable. Injury prevention strategies focus on environmental design, product design, human behavior, education, and legislative and regulatory requirements that support environmental and behavioral change, for example laws requiring the use of seat belts and motorcycle helmets.

Injury and Violence Prevention plans, implements and evaluates prevention strategies that are built on surveillance data and incorporate proven prevention methods. Because many agencies and organizations are involved in injury prevention, Injury and Violence Prevention collaborates with others to enhance the effectiveness of all prevention activity.