Injury Prevention Calendar
News, Events, and Observances
Texas Overdose Data to Action Announces Naloxone Locator Map
Published 3/27/2025
Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA) is pleased to announce the completion of the Naloxone Locator Map. Please see the following excerpt from the Governor’s office press release for more information:
Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of an online interactive map by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that pinpoints where Texans can acquire for free or purchase life-saving naloxone (NARCAN) as part of the statewide "One Pill Kills" campaign. This new tool will help Texans locate over-the-counter NARCAN to prevent fentanyl poisonings and help save lives.
“This NARCAN locator map is another tool in our fight against fentanyl-related poisonings that have affected Americans in such a devastating way,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “Health care providers, first responders, and members of the public can pick up and have this life-saving medication on hand and ready for use for when an opioid overdose emergency occurs.”
The new online map includes a search bar where visitors can type in an address or zip code to see nearby naloxone locations. Information displayed for each location includes the type of site (e.g. community health clinics, recovery support services, vending machines), their hours, phone number, website, and more.
Learn more about TODA, read the full press release, and use the interactive map. For additional information or questions, email TODA@dshs.texas.gov.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Published 04/01/2025
In 2023, Texas had 94,410 distracted driving crashes (Texas Department of Transportation). Of those, 403 were fatalities and 2,799 were serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cell phone use is the most common distraction. Other distractions include adjusting the radio, looking at a mapping app, applying makeup, and eating or drinking.
Distracted driving deaths and injuries are preventable!
Distracted Driving and General Roadway Safety Resources:
- Traffic safety campaigns, Texas Department of Transportation
- Distracted Driving, NHTSA
- Safe Riders Child Passenger Safety, Texas DSHS
April is National Youth Sports Safety Month.
Published 04/01/2025
Youth sports participation has many positive impacts. Participation:
- Promotes physical and mental health,
- Develops leadership skills, and
- Provides a safe space for youth to help reduce risky behaviors.
However, sports injuries impact many children and can keep youth from participating and receiving these benefits.
According Prevent Child Injury, “Every 25 seconds, a young athlete suffers a sports injury severe enough to be treated in an emergency department (ED).” One in three participants seeks medical attention for a sports-related injury (National Council of Youth Sports).
Safe Kids Worldwide recommends these top safety tips:
- Before playing organized sports, make sure your child receives a pre-participation physical exam.
- Encourage children to drink water before, during, and after activities.
- Adults should always attend sporting events to ensure there is a safe playing environment and safety rules are enforced.
- An off-season is important. It is recommended that kids get 10 consecutive weeks of rest from any one sport every year.
- Make sure your child’s coach knows first aid and CPR.
- Ensure your child’s coach understands how to prevent, recognize, and/or respond to concussions and overuse injuries.
With the right tools and knowledge, many youth sports injuries are preventable!
Resources:
- Concussions, National Safety Council
- National Council of Youth Sports
- Safety Tips – Sports, Safe Kids Worldwide
- Heads Up, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Preventing Common Youth Sports Injuries, Texas Health Resources
April 7-13, 2025, is National Public Health Week.
Published 04/01/2025
Public health agencies play an important role in creating healthier, safer communities. During National Public Health Week and all year long, the Injury Prevention team recognizes our part in creating a healthier, safer Texas. Our vision is to use data and public health best practices to inform injury prevention activities and programs across Texas.
Injury Prevention Programs:
- EMS and Trauma Registries
- Safe Riders Child Passenger Safety
- Texas Child Fatality Review
- Texas Overdose Data to Action
- Texas Violent Death Reporting System
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.