Showing posts with label Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

National Youth Violence Prevention Week

This week we commemorate National Youth Violence Prevention Week and recognize that youth violence has become a significant social and public safety issue in our country today. Too often we hear of tragic stories involving teenagers committing violent crimes. As police reports become filled with more incidents involving teenagers, it is time we realize that more must be done to protect our young people and our communities.

According to The Centers for Disease Control, in 2007, nearly 6,000 young people ages 10 to 24 were murdered—an average of 16 each day. These staggering numbers may seem high; however, statistics show that over half of youth violence that occurs in our country is not reported. This only adds more severity to these shocking numbers.

These crimes have a direct impact on the public and the economy as they cause mental and physical damage. There are long-term effects created by these crimes as the patterns of violence begin early and often continue into adulthood. These facts surely describe the need for prevention programs and policies that address risk and protective factors for youth violence.

Learn more about National Youth
Violence Prevention Week
Because of the gravity of this offense, the National Youth Violence Prevention Week is dedicated to center our attention on youth violence and prevention techniques. The goal of this campaign is to offer a week-long national education initiative to demonstrate the positive role young people can have in making their schools and communities safer.

CalVCP has joined the campaign to spread public awareness of the violence affecting our youth. As an agency dedicated to assisting victims of crime, we would like you to know that victims of any violent crime are able to receive assistance through our program. Our claimants receive compensation that covers mental health treatment, income and support loss, medical bills, funeral costs, and rehabilitation.

Raising awareness and advocating for prevention of youth violence is a concern for all of us. Please join us and the many state agencies and victim advocates in the campaign to educate our community on effective ways to prevent youth violence.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

The month of December brings many holiday celebrations that often include alcohol. Consequently, December tends to produce more than average intoxicated drivers carelessly sharing our roads.

In an effort to spread public awareness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and several other agencies have named December "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month," a campaign created to educate the community about the seriousness of driving under the influence of substances and its devastating consequences.

Every time we drive, we are unfortunately faced with the possibility of falling victim to an impaired driver’s rash mistake. According to NHTSA, three out of every ten Americans will be involved in a motor vehicle accident involving drunk driving during their lives. Accidents related to drunk and drugged driving claim the lives of thousands of Americans every year and have become one of the deadliest crimes in America today. Impaired drivers continue to roam our streets and put the lives of our family and friends at risk.

In response, CalVCP has joined the campaign to spread public awareness. As an agency dedicated to assisting victims of crimes, we would like you to know that victims of drunk and drugged driving accidents are able to receive compensation through our program. CalVCP has helped 809 drunk and drugged driving victims and paid an estimated $2.8 million since January 2010. Our claimants received compensation that covered mental health treatment, income and support loss, medical bills, funeral costs, and rehabilitation.

CalVCP is committed to creating healthier communities and we would like to offer you ways to fight back against drunk and drugged driving. The NHTSA has provided tips for those hosting or attending holiday parties:
  • Include a reminder about selecting a designated driver in your invitation.
  • If you are going to serve alcohol, be certain to offer guests non-alcoholic drinks as well.
  • Ensure that all guests leave with a sober driver; if necessary, call a taxi for a guest or even take their keys. Remember, “Friends don’t let friends drink and drive."
  • Dial 911 if you see any suspicious drivers.
Please play your part this year in spreading awareness of drunk and drugged driving. And remember, don’t let drunk and drugged driving prevention be a seasonal concern; our communities should work together to help prevent these tragedies all year long.