UNR and Nevada Public Health Association promote National Public Health Week, April 4-10

Press Release — It only takes a moment for an injury to happen – a fall, a quick look at the cell phone while driving, a medication mix-up, leaving a child to answer the phone. But it only takes a moment to protect against injuries and make our community a safer place.

The Nevada Public Health Association, a partnership of local public health professionals, along with other community and University groups, is hosting a series of free events for National Public Health Week, April 4-10, in the theme, “Safety is no Accident: Live Injury-Free.”

Injury is the most expensive medical problem in the United States. In a single year, $80 billion will be spent on medical care, another $326 billion on lost productivity, and an untold amount on social support for the individual’s families caring for the severely injured. The financial cost can be devastating, but more importantly, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, more than 150,000 lives are lost each year as a result of injuries that could, in many cases, have been prevented.

During National Public Health Week, many local events are planned to help the community live safer lives and help reverse the bleak national health statistics.

Event coordinators include the Nevada Public Health Association, University of Nevada Student Health Center, University Police Services, Washoe County Health District, Sanford Center for Aging, Guarded by the Pack (a sexual assault prevention program), University Public Health Coalition, Nevada Department of Public safety and Lombardi Recreation Center.

Monday, April 4
10-11:30 a.m., Washoe County Senior Center, Senior Staff Conference Room
Senior Fall Prevention: Medications that Increase Fall Risk – presented by certified geriatric pharmacist Chris Shea, and Exercises that Increase Strength and Flexibility to Reduce Fall Risk, a demonstration by University of Nevada, Reno students.

6:30-7:30 p.m., University of Nevada campus, Joe Crowley Student Union, Ballroom A
Suicide Prevention among College Students – presented by Misty Vaughan Allen from the state's Office of Suicide Prevention.

Tuesday, April 5
7:30-9 a.m., University of Nevada campus, Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza
Crosswalk Safety Awareness Event – safety information, pedestrian education and free coffee offered to attendees.

9 a.m.-noon, Washoe County Commission Chambers, 1001 E. Ninth St., Reno
Agroterrorism and Community Preparedness Workshop followed by a Local Food Reception – attendees will mingle with members of the Nevada Public Health Association while they learn about attacks on our food supply and sample local food.

11 a.m.-1 p.m., University of Nevada campus Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza
Bike And Pedestrian Safety Event – helmet fitting station and commuter safety clinic; the first 25 helmets will be given away for free.

Wednesday, April 6
11 a.m.-2 p.m., University of Nevada campus, Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza
Pack Safety Event, Safety Fair and Self Defense demonstrations – presented by University police officers.

5-6 p.m., University of Nevada campus, Joe Crowley Student Union, Room 422
Sexual Assault Prevention and Legal Issues – presented by Kelli Viloria, Washoe County deputy district attorney and prosecutor.

Thursday, April 7
12:15-1:15 p.m., University of Nevada campus, Joe Crowley Student Union Plaza
Yoga and Tai Chi Demo – being active can prevent injuries.

Friday, April 8
10:30-11:30 a.m., Neil Road Recreation Center, 3925 Neil Road, Reno
Improving Mental Health and Preventing Elder Suicide – presented by David Antonuccio, University psychology and behavioral science professor, and Misty Vaughan Allen from the state's Office of Suicide Prevention.

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit www.nphaonline.org.

Story provided by: Enid Jennings
Health Promotions Coordinator and Educator
Student Health Services
Phone: (775) 682-9224
E-mail: ejennings@medicine.nevada.edu