Harrisburg, PA - Today, Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine highlighted the negative effects of violence on youth who are exposed to it and ways to prevent it through the department’s Violence and Injury Prevention Program.
“Violence is an emerging public health issue that the Wolf Administration takes very seriously,” Dr. Levine said. “Children exposed to violence are more likely to carry these experiences with them throughout their entire lives with an impact on physical, mental and emotional well-being. We are committed to decreasing the prevalence of intentional and unintentional injury by working with organizations across the state and developing programs to reduce harm.”
The department’s Violence and Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) provides grants to organizations to focus on preventing death and disability from injuries. The program aims to change policies and environments to improve the overall health and safety of Pennsylvania’s communities. Initiatives include preventing injuries associated with falls, encouraging motor vehicle safety and education for teenagers and/or mature drivers while also distributing car seats, providing education on concussions and traumatic brain injuries, and collecting data through the Pennsylvania Violent Death Reporting System so there is an accurate and comprehensive list of all violent deaths in the state.
The VIPP also focuses on sexual assault prevention and education. The department partners with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) to support evidence-based strategies to prevent sexual violence and other violent behaviors before they occur. Through CDC funding, extensive training and technical assistance is provided to Pennsylvania’s local rape crisis centers. These centers also develop and implement prevention strategies that target specific populations within their communities, including schools, college and university campuses, and other partners.
For more information on violence and injury prevention, visit the Department of Health’s website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle, 717-787-1783 or ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
# # #