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Injury Prevention

Injury Prevention

Injury Prevention Calendar

News, Events, and Observances

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Published 02/28/2025

According to the Office of Acquired Brain Injury (OABI), an acquired brain injury is brain damage caused by events after birth (i.e., strokes, brain illness, or other brain injuries). Brain injury is one of the most common public health issues in Texas.

OABI will host their annual webinar series in March to raise awareness about brain injury.

Texas Brain Injury Webinar Series
The webinars will be held from noon to 1 p.m. (CST) on days listed.

Visit OABI to learn more about the annual webinar series and find additional resources, including educational videos and downloadable materials.

March 17-21 is National Poison Prevention Week.

Published 02/28/2025

A poison is anything that can harm your body if you eat, drink, breathe, inject, or touch too much of it (DSHS Environmental Surveillance and Toxicology).

Some common poisoning events include:

  • Taking too much prescription medication
  • Inhaling pesticides
  • Being bitten by a snake
  • Using illicit drugs

Poison Prevention Tips
Remember to keep all products and medicines in their original containers; store products such as sprays, hair care products, mouthwash, bleaches, soaps, etc. out of reach of children; always follow label directions; and use carbon monoxide alarms in your home. For a comprehensive list of poison prevention resources, visit the Texas Poison Center Network.

Call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 if you think someone has been poisoned.

Poison Prevention Resources:

March 17-23 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.

Published 02/28/2025

National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week focuses on the science of drug use and addiction. Events are hosted across the country to educate and empower youth to make informed decisions about substance use and their health.

According to Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth:

  • Youth who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are four times more likely to have issues with alcohol dependence or misuse as adults.
  • Alcohol use is a key contributing factor to teenage suicide.
  • 1 in 5 teen drivers involved in fatal car crashes has alcohol in their system.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the impact of substance abuse.” In youth, strong, open relationships with parents/caregivers play an important role in prevention and early intervention.

Parents and caregivers can use SAMHSA’s Five Conversation Goals as a starting point. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has conversation starters for parents and classroom resources on drug effects for teachers.  

Youth and General Substance Use Resources:

Texas Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Education Series Open for Registration

Published 8/21/2024

The Texas Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Education Series helps equip prehospital providers with the necessary knowledge to provide optimal care for children during emergencies.

This monthly series runs through July 2025. These 1-hour virtual sessions highlight evidence-based or best practice guidelines and resources for adoption in EMS agencies. Topics include pediatric triage tools, multi-system trauma, airway and respiratory management, and non-accidental trauma.

Learn more about the series in this PDF or follow this link to register.

The Texas Department of State Health Services does not endorse external links to other websites or documents created by other agencies. These links and documents are informational and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities.

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