ECU Health Medical Center's Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program (ECIPP) is a partnership between the Greenville Police Department, ECU Health Police Department, Pitt County Sheriff's Office, ECU Police Department, Pitt County Schools volunteers, and ECU Health nurses. We partnered to accommodate our fourth and fifth 100 patients. Grades at South Greenville Elementary School wear bicycle helmets to encourage safe biking. Funding for the helmets was provided by Children's Miracle Network and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
“It's very important for parents to help their children understand how to ride a bike safely, including wearing a helmet, bright colors, reflective clothing, riding in the same direction as the sidewalk or traffic, and being aware of your surroundings. ” said Ellen Walston. , Injury Prevention Coordinator, ECIPP, ECU Health. “Wearing a helmet is the best way to reduce head injuries, and we are very grateful to our community partners, such as law enforcement officers and physical education teachers, for teaching our students about bicycle safety.”
According to Safe Kids, a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by at least 45%, but less than half of children under the age of 14 typically wear a bicycle helmet. In 2020, there were 136,753 emergency room visits for children with bicycle-related injuries nationwide. ECIPP aims to reduce the number of children affected in Eastern North Carolina and beyond by encouraging safe bicycling and ensuring helmets are available to local children. . These partnerships not only facilitate helmet distribution, but also allow law enforcement officers to engage directly with children, emphasizing the importance of wearing helmets and following traffic rules when riding bicycles. Masu.
“While ECIPP provides logistics and often field work, none of our work would be possible without strong partnerships with schools, law enforcement, and many others throughout the region. is impossible,” Sue Ann said. Mr. Pilgreen, ECIPP, ECU Health Manager.
