JeffCo Health Department Update: 7/12/2023

Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) is dedicated to supporting health within our community by promoting positive behaviors and activities. Receiving an injury prevention grant from Montana Department of Health and Human Services provided Erin Ritchie, Jefferson County's Public Health School Nurse, the means to organize an injury prevention activity focused on motor vehicle safety.

Montana Department of Transportation reported 207 fatalities on Montana highways in 2022. One of the leading causes of death in the United States is car accidents. While states with higher populations had more fatal crashes and deaths, they don't necessarily have the highest death rates per 100,000 population or deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. According to World Population Review, Montana is ranked in the top five states with 19.6 deaths per 100,000. The rate of car accident deaths per 100,000 people ranges from 4.9 to 25.4 in the US. Unfortunately, the summer months historically record the most fatalities during the year.

JCHD is hosting a traffic and pedestrian Road-eo to help provide education and awareness related to vehicle safety with a goal of reducing motor vehicle accidents in Jefferson County. This effort is supported by many of our local and state partners including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and local EMS. Our county has experienced lives lost due to motor vehicle crashes. These are losses we would like to prevent.

An essential public health service is to assess and address health risks that affect our population. Decreasing preventable deaths through education outreach and prevention activities is central to the work we do. Promoting a healthy Jefferson County contributes to everyone's well-being.

A portion of the injury prevention grant funds were used to train our school nurse as a Child Passenger Safety Technician. Erin is certified to provide education on proper care seat installation and use. A driver simulator, Driving Essentials, was also purchased. This program has ten driving lessons including inclement weather, distracted driving, and several complex driving scenarios. Because motor vehicle accidents remain a leading cause of death for adolescents, we would like to prepare them with skills and knowledge to be to safe drivers.

Join us on Friday, July 14th from 1 PM -4 PM at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds for a fun and informative afternoon. In addition to car seat installation and driver's simulation booths, there will be many activities to participate in. Take a ride on the carousel. Check out an ambulance, fire truck, plow, or law enforcement vehicle. Drive an obstacle course. Eat a treat from the food trucks. Enter the raffle for prizes. Spend a summer afternoon with us. Learn how to be safe and share the road with our friends and neighbors. Activities are free of charge and open to all.