CDC's Injury Center 20th Anniversary:
Talking Points

Download the Talking Points [223 KB]

Please use these talking points and other key information found in the Partner Toolkit as you promote injury and violence prevention.

• 2012 marks 20 years the CDC has had a Center dedicated to preventing Injuries and Violence, CDC’s National Center for Injury and Prevention.
• This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how far we, as a field, have come in preventing injuries and violence through science, research, practice, partnerships, policy, and education.
• Together, we can continue to respond to emerging trends and increasing burden, and strengthen our collective resolve to address injury and violence prevention.  We know that the following issues will continue to challenge us to develop solutions that are grounded in sound science, are adaptable and scalable:
• Motor vehicle related injuries - the leading cause of death for people ages 5-34 years and prevention of motor vehicle-related injuries is a CDC winnable battle and a CDC global winnable battle.
• Prescription painkiller overdose deaths have reached epidemic levels in the past decade, and prescription drug overdoses are now exceeding motor vehicle related injuries as a leading cause of death in many states.
• Traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of disability among young children, athletes, older adults, and soldiers.
• Violence against children and youth which results in physical, emotional, social, and behavioral problems that limit the development of youth, increases their risk for chronic diseases and the likelihood that they will engage in future violence.
• Injuries are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for all people ages 1-44 and cost more than $406 billion annually in medical care and lost productivity.  
• Investing in ways to prevent injuries can save both lives and money. For example, studies show that a $1,250 fall prevention program can avoid $10,800 in costs to society.