NIPD supports brighter outcomes for Canadians

TORONTO, July 5, 2017- Preventable injury remains the leading cause of death among young Canadians, with one child dying every nine hours. Parachute, a national charity helping Canadians stop the clock on predictable and preventable injuries is launching National Injury Prevention Day to increase awareness surrounding the debilitating, life-threatening and sometimes deadly outcomes of these types of injuries. The new annual recognition day is meant to help build awareness surrounding the devastating impact of injury.

Preventable injury, which includes motor vehicle collisions, sports and recreation injuries and seniors’ falls, accounts for 16,000 deaths every year in Canada.

Municipalities across the nation are pledging support for National Injury Prevention Day by lighting major landmarks in distinctive parachute ‘green’ on July 5 th to honour the initiative. They include:

  • CN Tower & 3D Toronto sign – Toronto, Ontario
  • Calgary Tower – Calgary, Alberta
  • Peace Bridge – Fort Erie, Ontario
  • High Level Bridge – Edmonton, Alberta
  • Vancouver City Hall- Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Science World at Telus World of Science- Vancouver, British Columbia
  • North Bay City Hall- North Bay, Ontario
  • London City Hall- London, Ontario
  • Caesars Windsor- Windsor, Ontario

The City of Toronto is also participating in an official flag raising ceremony on the Podium Roof at Toronto City Hall on July 5 th to mark the occasion.

Parachute is encouraging Canadians to support National Injury Prevention Day by taking photos of landmarks that are lighting up on July 5 th, and by joining the conversation on social media using #NIPD and #StopTheClock to help us work towards the goal of an injury-free Canada.

Quick Facts

  • Preventable injury kills more Canadian children than any single disease, and more youth than all other causes combined.
  • Teen drivers die in crashes at a higher rate than any other age group in Canada.
  • 40% of head injuries in children aged 10 to 19 occur during sports.
  • 85% of hospitalizations of Canadian seniors are due to falls.

Quotes

« I commend Parachute for its dedication to the safety and wellbeing of Canadians. As part of the first-ever National Injury Prevention Day, I encourage all Canadians to learn about what they can do to minimize the risk of preventable injuries in their own homes, schools, playgrounds and communities.”

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P., Minister of Health

“We are committed to educating Canadians about injury prevention through programs, policy and partnerships. We have made positive strides in creating awareness for preventing injuries related to motor vehicle collisions, sports and recreation and seniors’ falls but there’s more work to be done. The impact of injury continues to affect Canadians nationwide, with one child dying every nine hours from predictable and preventable injuries. We urge Canadians to join us as we continue on the path to an injury-free Canada.”

Steve Podborski, Parachute President & CEO

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Media contact:

Andrea Piunno, Parachute

647-776-5134 (o) 905-999-9215 (c)

apiunno@parachutecanada.org

About Parachute

Parachute is a national charity dedicated to reducing the devastating impact of preventable injuries. Injury is the #1 killer of Canadians aged 1 – 44, where one child dies every nine hours. The financial toll is staggering with injury c osting the Canadian economy $27B a year. Through education, knowledge and empowerment, Parachute is working to save lives and create an injury-free Canada. For more information, visit us at parachutecanada.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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