Injuries that happen while riding on bikes, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are a leading cause of patient admissions at Mott.
Many of these injuries could be prevented by wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet is the single best way to reduce serious brain injuries. We can fix broken bones, but brain injuries are much more serious. They often are permanent and can require years of rehabilitation.
To encourage helmet usage among children, Mott Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Program partners with community agencies and programs to reach our most at-risk populations. Our largest on-going effort involves coordination with the University of Michigan School-based Health Centers . We work with the Youth Advisory Councils at each location to develop ways to best reach their unique student body.
These efforts may include:
- access to reduced-cost helmets
- special events and activities that encourage helmet use
- assemblies
- classroom presentations
- coordination with teachers and curriculum
- posters and t-shirts that encourage awareness
In addition to the partnership with the School-based Health Centers, our program monitors the community for other opportunities to spread our life-saving message. Priority often is given to underserved and low-income areas.