By Stu Johnson
Richmond, KY – The two-million dollar injury prevention grant targets the mistreatment of children, accidental falls among seniors, car safety for young people, and prescription drug overdoses. Terry Bunn, who directs the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, says these are ongoing, serious issues.
"Those were the areas numbers and the highest rates of injuries within our state of Kentucky," said Bunn.
The five year project, funded through the Centers for Disease Control, goes to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. Bunn says a statewide group also hopes to strengthen existing child booster seat laws.
"Currently I think the age is seven and under the national guidelines recommend eight and under and then ours is I think the height requirement is shorter than what the national guidelines are," added Bunn.
The law requires children fitting these characteristics to be secured in car booster seats while traveling in Kentucky. Terry Bunn says accidental falls among senior citizens in the workplace also deserves attention.
"Companies may want to require some sort of policy that will deal with fall prevention among older adults like requiring vision screens for older adults," said Bunn.
A report including some recommendations could be released sometime next summer.