Why is injury and violence prevention important to health?
Injuries, whether unintentional or intentional, can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. They are a leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, disability, and premature death. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention estimated that injuries cost the United States $4.2 trillion, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and the economic impact of lives lost. Addressing injury and violence prevention is essential to protecting community health and well-being.
Injury prevention efforts focus on reducing the occurrence of preventable incidents, such as falls, overdoses, car accidents, assaults, and self-harm. These events not only cause significant physical and emotional harm but also place a heavy burden on healthcare systems and community resources. Injuries and violence can lead to long-term health conditions that require ongoing medical care and hospital visits that often result in financial hardship for individuals and families. Frequent hospital visits may also increase the risk of dependence on pain medication, further complicating recovery and adding to the strain on both patients and the broader healthcare system.
How do the goals align with the San Bernardino Countywide Vision?
Reducing injuries and violence aligns with the San Bernardino Countywide Vision by fostering safe, resilient communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. By tackling the root causes of violence and preventable injuries, such as substance use, abuse, and unsafe environments, San Bernardino County seeks to enhance and improve public health, increase safety, and ensure equitable access to vital resources and services. These priorities are central to the San Bernardino County Community Transformation Plan, which guides local efforts toward building a healthier and more equitable future for all residents.
What did the data show?
San Bernardino County has experienced a significant rise in injury-related incidents in recent years. From 2016 to 2021, the overall injury death rate increased by 100%, from 27.5 to 55.1 per 100,000 residents. During that time, unintentional injuries, including overdoses, falls, and accidents, nearly doubled and accounted for 85% of all injury-related hospitalizations in 2021. Assault and self-harm were the next most common causes of injury-related hospitalizations.1
Injury-related hospitalizations increased from 14,094 in 2016 to 14,826 in 2021, representing a 5% rise1. Assault-related injuries, including cases of child and adult abuse, made up 32% of those hospitalizations. Emergency room visits followed similar trends, with 89% due to unintentional injuries, 5% due to assault, and 1% due to self-harm.
Community input from the Community Themes and Strengths Survey revealed widespread concern about safety and violence. Nearly 29% of all respondents, and 48% of people of color, identified rape and sexual assault as among the most damaging issues in their communities. In addition, 32% of all respondents, and 49% of people of color, named car accidents caused by distracted or impaired driving as a major health concern.2
[1] Epicenter: California Injury Data Online.
[2] 2023 Community Health Assessment. (n.d). Community Vital Signs Initiative.