Injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children
and young adults. The number one killer of young people is traumatic
injury caused by:
- vehicle crashes
- violence
- falls
- sports
- other preventable reasons
The most serious injuries are those to the brain and spinal cord.
More than 22,000 children under the age of 20 lose their lives to brain
and spinal cord injuries each year. Those who survive may be left with
permanent paralysis and disabling brain injuries. The only"cure" is
prevention - and that's the focus of Beaumont's ThinkFirst Program.
The Beaumont chapter of ThinkFirst is a collaborative effort by
health care professionals aimed at preventing and reducing brain and
spine injuries. The program uses public education and prevention
awareness activities for all ages, with special focus on children, teens
and the elderly. We work in collaboration with ThinkFirst Michigan and
the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation. The mission of the
National ThinkFirst Injury Prevention Foundation
is to prevent brain, spinal cord and other traumatic injuries through
the education of individuals, community leaders and the creators of
public policy.