St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a leading pediatric hospital, and Reading Hospital – Tower Health are joining the Injury Free Coalition for Kids in launching the Inaugural U.S. National Injury Prevention Day today, Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Physicians, nurses, and other providers at Level I Trauma Centers around the country will join forces to address the pediatric injuries most prevalent in their communities and advocate for prevention. City landmarks across the country will shine green lights as a reminder to keep safety top of mind.
The Injury Free Coalition for Kids is a hospital-based, community-oriented injury prevention program whose efforts are anchored in research, education, and advocacy. Currently, the Coalition includes more than 30 sites located in as many cities, each housed in their participating institution's trauma center. St. Christopher's is the only member of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids in eastern Pennsylvania.
"Injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the United States," said Donald Mueller, CEO at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. "Our team has been working with the Injury Free Coalition since 2005. Their methods have proven to reduce injuries in children across the U.S., and each member organization focuses on the most common injuries in the communities they serve. In Philadelphia, the most common injuries involving children are falls, burns, and auto/pedestrian accidents."
The health system has launched a virtual Safety Zone website at injuryfreephiladelphia.org to share safety videos and information targeted to children and families to celebrate National Injury Prevention Day. In addition, employees at St. Christopher’s and Reading Hospital will be distributing more than 600 gift bags to patients with safety tips and information focusing on falls, burns, pedestrian safety, and more. St. Christopher’s has also been working with city leaders and landmarks to join the national effort and light up in green on November 18. The Ben Franklin Bridge, Boathouse Row, PECO Crown Lights, Philadelphia Eagles' Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia Union MLS stadium, and the Ronald McDonald House have signed on to raise awareness.
Tower Health Injury Prevention experts are available for interview.
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 25 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, Tower Health Transplant Institute, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians and providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.
About St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
Located in Philadelphia, Pa., St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, a partnership between Tower Health and Drexel University, is a 188 bed facility that provides exceptional care to children from throughout the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding counties. St. Christopher's has more than 220 pediatric experts on staff, combining top-notch pediatric care with a wide array of pediatric specialties including Cardiology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Gastroenterology, Oncology, and Orthopedics. It houses one of only three Level I Pediatric Trauma Centers in Pennsylvania and the only dedicated and Verified Pediatric Only Burn Center between Manhattan and Baltimore. St. Christopher’s is a Magnet® designated hospital and is listed as one of Women’s Choice Award Best Children’s Hospital in 2019. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.