Safe CommunitiesA worldwide initiative of

the World Health Organization

Safe Communities DesignationAwarded to communities that have

demonstrated leadership in promoting safety, reducing injuries,

and preparing their citizens for natural and man-made disasters.

Safe Communities

Over 250 Worldwide

59 in Canada

14 in the U.S.

2 in Pennsylvania

What is a Safe Community?

A community that comes together to promote safe

and healthy behaviors and

environments

Who belongs to a Safe Community?

Chambers of Commerce

Public Health Healthcare

Providers Law Enforcement Citizen Groups Schools

Business and Service Organizations

Government Agencies

Safety Advocates Social Service

Agencies

Why would a community want to be a Safe Community?

To reduce the number and cost of injuries To promote health and safety Community Pride To encourage people and families to move to their

community To make a difference To improve the quality of life for themselves and their

community

TO SAVE LIVES!

Safe Communities Erie:Where have we been?

Safe Kids Erie—In existence since 1991

July 2008—First Safe Communities meeting

2008-2009—Meetings to make plans and set priorities; mini-grant received from National Safety Council

Safe Communities Erie:Where are we now?

June 2010—Application accepted by WHO

September 9 & 10—Site review by WHO Safe

Communities representatives

October 30, 2010—Designation and signing

ceremony; will kick-off Safe Kids Conference

Safe Communities Erie:Where do we go from here?

Formalize structure and annual action plan

Quarterly meetings

Ongoing communication and participation with International Safe Communities partners

Safe Communities Erie

Vision:

Making Erie County

the Safest Community

in America

Safe Communities Erie

Mission:

To prevent injuries, save lives,

and make our community

a safer place to

live, work and play.

Long Term Goals

Reduction in deaths and injuries

caused by: Falls

Motor Vehicle Crashes

Poisoning (drugs)

Suicide

For More Information

Or to get involved, contact:Patty Puline

Injury CoordinatorErie County Department of Health

814-451-6543ppuline@ecdh.org

QUESTIONS?