November 20, 2025-- Organizations across the nation recognized National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD) on November 18th, a day to increase awareness about the burden of injuries and violence, the leading cause of death and hospitalization for Americans ages 1-44. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, NIPD empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to prevent injuries and promote safety for all.
This nationwide initiative, now in its sixth year, is led by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids®, based in the Columbia Center for Injury Science and Prevention (CCISP) at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, which launched the inaugural “National Injury Prevention Day” in 2020 amid the COVID 19 epidemic. The community-oriented injury prevention program currently partners with Safe States Alliance and more than 120 public health organizations committed to safer, healthier communities. United by a shared vision of a future where injuries are not considered inevitable, but preventable, and safety is not optional, it's prioritized.
"Everyone deserves to live, work, and play in safe communities," says Barbara Barlow, MD, Professor Emerita of Surgery in Epidemiology at Columbia University, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, and Founding Director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids®. "National Injury Prevention Day shows what's possible when we come together to promote safety and prevent injuries for all."
"Preventing needless injuries and acts of violence extends far beyond one day. It is our collective vision that communities and decision makers see the value in prevention and join our effort to keep America safe," says Sharon Gilmartin, MPH, Executive Director for the Safe States Alliance.
The CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) is the nation's leading resource for preventing injuries and saving lives. It plays a vital role in preventing suicide, overdose, motor vehicle crashes, and other leading causes of injury and violence in all 50 states. More than 80% of the Injury Center's budget goes directly back to communities. Its funding supports countless community-based programs that work every day to keep America safe.
“Unfortunately, this lifesaving work is at risk. Without sustained federal support, the programs, data systems, and local prevention initiatives that communities rely on will be diminished or lost completely,” noted Charles Branas, PhD, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Gelman Professor of Epidemiology. “Funding for the CDC Injury Center must be protected and preserved to ensure its critical work across communities continues.” National Injury Prevention Day reminds us of the importance of these programs in ensuring communities can thrive free of injuries.
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Founded in 1922, the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Columbia Mailman School is the third largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its nearly 300 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change and health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with more than 1,300 graduate students from 55 nations pursuing a variety of master’s and doctoral degree programs. The Columbia Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers, including ICAP and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit www.mailman.columbia.edu.