Nova Scotia to Develop Injury Prevention Strategy

HEALTH PROMOTION--Nova Scotia to Develop Injury Prevention Strategy

The Office of Health Promotion will work with its many partners in communities, the health-care sector and government to develop a provincial injury prevention strategy.

Injury is the leading cause of death for Nova Scotians during the first 45 years of life, according to The Economic Burden of Unintentional Injury in Atlantic Canada, a report released today, May 30, by the Atlantic Network for Injury Prevention (ANIP).

The report calls for a co-ordinated strategy, guided by strong leadership and collaborative efforts across injury prevention groups. Work on the provincial strategy will begin at the first meeting of the Nova Scotia Chapter of ANIP on June 20.

"We can do something about this," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion. "The cost of unintentional injuries is enormous, both financially and, more importantly, in terms of human suffering and loss. To make a significant impact on injury, we need to first recognize that most injuries are not accidents."

The report says that in 1999, unintended injuries cost Nova Scotians $372 million, or $396 for every citizen. Falls, especially falls by seniors, accounted for $160 million while motor vehicle crashes cost $74 million.

It is widely recognized that 90 to 95 per cent of injuries are both predictable and preventable. Mr. MacDonald said there are many excellent injury prevention initiatives in Nova Scotia and that the Office of Health Promotion will work with all its partners to lead and co-ordinate the development of a provincial injury prevention strategy.

At the June 20 meeting, members such as the Road Safety Advisory Committee, Networking to Prevent Falls in Nova Scotia, the Advisory Group to the Nova Scotia Trauma Program, IWK Child Safety Link, community health boards, district health authorities and many more, will review recent injury reports and discuss current initiatives and gaps in injury prevention.

"Injury prevention is a priority for us," said Scott Logan, executive director for the Office of Health Promotion. "We're in a perfect position to help lead and co-ordinate provincial efforts and to help raise public awareness around this important issue. We have a very solid foundation to build upon and the enthusiasm, dedication, and experience of the many partners will ensure success."

He said resources will be determined based upon strategy recommendations.

"It's great to see the province recognizing this issue and making a clear commitment to injury prevention," said Dr. John Tallon, an emergency medicine physician and medical director of the Nova Scotia Trauma Program. "I see first-hand the damage caused by injuries every day, and the difficult part is knowing that so much of it could be prevented."

On average, 400 Nova Scotians die each year from injuries. Thousands more experience pain and suffering from injuries and many live with permanent disability.

Dr. Tallon said that while most of this is preventable, there will always be injuries and Nova Scotia is recognized as having one of the best emergency health systems in North America to ensure that people who are injured get the best possible trauma care.

A copy of The Economic Burden of Unintentional Injury in Atlantic Canada is available on the Web site at www.anip.ca . A Comprehensive Report on Injuries in Nova Scotia was released in 2002 and can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/health/reports.htm .