Injury Prevention in Action
Injuries and violence are the leading causes of death in the United States for people ages 1—45.
One of the ways CDC addresses this important public health problem is through research.
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control funds nine Injury Control Research Centers (ICRCs). They study interdisciplinary ways (involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines) to prevent injuries and violence and work with community partners to put findings into action.
The nine CDC-funded ICRCs are in the following academic and medical institutions:
These ICRCs began a 5-year funding cycle in August 2019. CDC awarded over $7.5 million across the nine ICRCs. On average, each ICRC receives $833,000 per year. Their work focuses on three core areas: research, outreach, and training.
ICRCs study ways to prevent violence and injuries. They conduct cutting-edge research by including professionals from many different specialties to look at the causes, outcomes, and prevention of violence and injuries. This approach brings diverse perspectives and helps identify unique and innovative solutions. Research topics include:
- adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- intimate partner & sexual violence
- transportation safety
- older adult falls
- opioid overdose
- suicide
- traumatic brain injuries
ICRCs work with states and communities to put research into action with real-world solutions to keep people safe, healthy, and productive. They provide support and consulting to translate research findings into actionable information. Their assistance and expertise help to carry out injury prevention strategies based on scientific evidence.
ICRCs train the next generation of researchers and public health professionals to advance prevention research, address new problems, and increase reach across the nation by offering:
- Master and doctoral injury prevention programs
- Injury prevention certificate programs to graduate students in other programs
- Webinars and training for communities and practitioners
Columbia University’s research was essential in informing New York State’s implementation of a rear seat belt law to reduce injuries and deaths of unbelted motor vehicle occupants.
Emory University introduced the Cardiff Violence Prevention Model in the Georgia Trauma System for violence prevention.
Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy found in recent studies that state laws mandating ignition interlock use for all drunk driving offenders reduce fatal alcohol-involved crashes by at least 7%.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s new training teaches the next generation child injury prevention.
The University of Iowa identifies and modifies suicide risk factors for rural areas.
The University of Michigan combats the state’s opioid crisis.
The University of North Carolina addresses teen dating violence before it happens.
The University of Pennsylvania prevents violence through blight remediation.
The University of Washington’s INSIGHT program prepares students for injury prevention careers.
For more information on Injury Control Research Centers and the research they put into action, visit www.cdc.gov/injury/erpo/icrc.