Injury Prevention

Injuries are a significant health concern in Colorado, affecting everyone regardless of age, gender, race or economic status. Injuries may be classified as unintentional, intentional, or intent unknown. Unintentional injuries include motor vehicle crashes, falls and drowning. Injuries classified as intentional include suicide, homicide and assault.

In 2015, unintentional injuries were the third leading cause of death for Denver residents with a rate of 51.4 per 100,000 population (Colorado Vital Statistics, 2015). That same year, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death for Denver residents, a rate of 13.9 per 100,000 population (Colorado Vital Statistics, 2015).

Denver Public Health recognizes injury as a leading public health concern. The Injury Prevention Program participates in activities that address unintentional and intentional forms of injury in Denver County across the entire age spectrum. Some of our activities include the following:

Safe Routes to School

Denver Public Health proudly participates in Denver's Safe Routes to School initiative, lead by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, by providing leadership and guidance for the Denver Safe Routes to School Coalition, composed of more than 70 members representing, City and County Agencies, Denver Public Schools, local universities, non-profit agencies and interested residents.

Violence and Suicide Prevention

Raising Awareness of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)

  • Raising awareness of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) by partnering with the Community Health Promotion Maternal Child Health Team to educate families and providers on the importance of safe sleep environments for infants.

Providing Car Seat Fit Education

Providing Resources to Prevent Older Falls

Participating in Regional and Statewide Groups

Other Injury Prevention Resources may be found through the following: