Helping Kids Be Kids, Safely
Preventable injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Renown Children’s Hospital, serving as the sole pediatric trauma center in the region, proudly collaborates with local and national organizations to address this concerning statistic. Together, we strive to educate and empower caregivers and our community on strategies to ensure children's safety and prevent injuries.
Renown Children’s Hospital proudly leads Safe Kids Washoe County, which is part of a global injury prevention organization with the mission of preventing childhood injuries. This mission is accomplished through collaboration and the implementation of community programs aimed at reducing injuries by educating both caregivers and children, creating safe environments, conducting research, and advocating for child safety legislation.
REMSA Car Seat Inspections
REMSA's Point of Impact program encourages parents to ensure their car seats are properly installed. View REMSA's website for upcoming Free Car Seat Inspections. REMSA EventsLocal Injury Prevention Resources & Programs
Car Seats Safety
Renown Children’s Hospital has partnered with REMSA Health’s Point of Impact Car Seat Program to ensure children are transported safely. The Point of Impact Car Seat Program offers both monthly community checkpoints and a by-appointment service to ensure car seats are installed properly and are the correct size for your growing child.
Resources:
- Get to Know the Types of Car Seats (Blog)
- Transitioning Your Child Out of Their Car Seat (Blog)
- 2 Dangerous Car Seat Mistakes and Solutions (Blog)
- Preventing Heatstroke in Children (Blog)
- Well-Being Wednesday: Car Seat Safety (Video)
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Safety
Renown Children’s Hospital leads the Nevada OHV Youth Helmet Program, aiming to increase awareness of OHV risks, educate on safe riding, and distribute safety equipment responsibly. Visit our partner's website for more information on Nevada Outdoor School’s Ride Safe, Ride Smart Program.
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Pedestrian Safety
Renown Children’s Hospital collaborates with Safe Routes to School and Vision Zero – VISION ZERO TRUCKEE MEADOWS to promote safe walking, cycling, and alternative transportation. Our goal is zero traffic fatalities, leveraging data-driven strategies for community awareness and safety.
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Newborn and Infant Safety
Renown Health offers Childbirth and Newborn Classes aimed at equipping parents with the necessary tools to welcome the newest members of their family. These courses not only help parents prepare for the arrival of their infant but also contribute to keeping the baby safe. Topics include preparing parents for emergencies that may occur in the baby's first year, car seat safety, basic baby proofing, and discussions on the prevention and treatment of common injuries.
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Bicycle Safety
In our dedication to promoting healthy and active lifestyles, we partner with the Sparks Kiwanis Bike Program. They donate over 600 bikes annually to schools and youth organizations, while also organizing youth camps, clubs, and educational workshops in our community. Our shared goal is to prioritize safety during wheeled recreation. That's why we collaborate with the Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation to distribute free helmets, ensuring the safety of our children while they stay active.
Resources:
- Renown Children's Hospital Tip of the Day: Helmet Safety (Video)
- Renown Children's Hospital Consejo del Dia: Usando Cascos (Video)
Youth-Targeted Injury Prevention
The Think First to Save Your Skull Program educates Northern Nevada's youth to prevent traumatic injuries, partnering with Renown Children’s Hospital and Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation. Our interactive presentation for high school students equips them to assess risks, evaluate consequences, and make informed decisions.
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Snow Activities Safety
Snow sports and activities are staples of our region, and we want to ensure everyone can enjoy them safely. Before you head out for fun in the snow, make sure you have all your gear ready. We emphasize the importance of helmets not only during skiing and snowboarding but also while sledding. To learn more about how to stay safe while having fun in the snow, please review the resources below.
Resources:
- Ski California - Mountain Safety Guide
- Know Before You Go: Mountain Safety (Blog)
- Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries: What to Know (Blog)
- Well-Being Wednesday: Safely Enjoying Winter Sledding (Video)
- Well-Being Wednesday: Ski Safety (Video)
Firearms
As healthcare leaders, we recognize that firearms are the leading cause of death for U.S. children. We emphasize the importance of empowering caregivers to restrict unsupervised access to firearms and endorse Be Smart Northern Nevada, promoting secure gun storage to reduce child injuries and deaths.
Resources:
- Well-Being Wednesday: Pediatric Firearm Safety - Protecting Our Children's Future (Video)
- Well-Being Wednesday: Talking Gun Violence (Video)
Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Safe Kids Washoe County
Safe Kids Washoe County
Accidental injury is the number one cause of death among children ages 14 and under in the United States. Every day, one out of every four children needs medical attention for accidental injury.
Safe Kids Washoe County believes that children should grow up safe, healthy, and injury-free. Safe Kids designs programs that reduce injuries through educating adults and children, creating safe environments, conducting research, and advocating for effective laws for children aged 0-14