Current research projects
To promote our vision of keeping children healthy and strong, the Injury
Prevention and Research Center is involved in a number of research projects that
seek to identify preventable injuries in the community. Data from these studies
are used to create and implement interventions specifically designed to reduce
the rate of injuries in the community. Current projects include:
"Safe Kids Walk This Way" focus group project
Each year more than 600 pedestrians are killed in the
United States. Focus groups composed of children and their parents will be
conducted with groups who are at high risk for pedestrian injury (families with
low incomes, living in densely populated areas), and those who are at low risk
for pedestrian injury (families with higher incomes living in low density
areas). Information from focus groups in Chicago will then be combined with
information from other groups across the country and this information will be
used to guide the development of pedestrian safety messages and programs for
children at highest risk for pedestrian injury. This project is supported by a
grant from Safe Kids Worldwide.
“Stamp in Safety” playground safety project
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of injury for kids 1 to 14. It
is estimated that approximately 65 percent of children ages 3 to 4 spend
their weekdays in childcare settings. Many injuries that occur in this setting
occur on the playground. The Stamp in Safety program is a program designed to
improve the quality of supervision on playgrounds and subsequently reduce the
number of injuries to children on the playground. This project is supported by
the Kohl's Cares for Kids Safety Network.
Community-based childhood obesity prevention in Rogers Park
Obesity is a growing problem for all ages across the United States.
Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and stroke and can also lead
to social stigmatization, discrimination and lowered self esteem. It is estimated
that approximately 16 percent of children and teens in the US are overweight,
and a recent study showed that the rate of overweight in Chicago's children
is nearly two times the national average. Through a grant from the Robert
WoodJohnson Foundation, the Injury Free Coalition for Kids in conjunction with
Howard Area Community Center is working to improve access to healthy foods
(fresh fruits and vegetables), increase nutritious food offerings and educate
the community about healthy eating habits.