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Injury Prevention
Injury Prevention
Injuries are not simply "accidents" – random acts of fate or the result of carelessness – but events to be understood and prevented. Research and experience show that most injuries are entirely preventable.
Injury, not disease, is the leading killer of our children, teens and young adults. Both intentional and unintentional injuries rank among the top 10 causes of death for every age group. In Vermont, injuries are the leading cause of death among persons aged 15 to 44 and the fifth leading cause of death among people of all ages. Each year, more than 400 Vermonters die, and thousands of others are hospitalized due to injury.
Whether they are unintentional or the result of intentional or violent acts, most injuries can be prevented with public health interventions. Knowing how to prevent suicide, properly store and dispose of medications, or prevent falls in older adults are actions that can help prevent many injuries and injury-related deaths.
Injury Data and Reports
Hotlines, Support, and Resources
Hotlines and Support
Emergencies or immediate danger — Dial or Text 9-1-1
- Northern New England Poison Center — Call 800-222-1222
- Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
- Domestic Violence Hotline — Call 800-228-7395
- Sexual Violence & Rape Hotline — Call 800-489-7273
- Child Abuse: If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the State of Vermont's toll-free 24-hour Child Protection Line at 800-649-5285.
- To get more information on reporting child abuse and neglect, visit the Department for Children and Families.
- To get more information on reporting child abuse and neglect, visit the Department for Children and Families.
- Childhood Lead Poisoning — Call 800-439-8550
- Adult Protective Services, Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living — Call 800-564-1612
- Be Seat Smart Child Passenger Safety Program — Call 888-868-7328 (1-888-VMT-SEAT)
Additional Resources
- Division of Fire Safety
- Governor’s Highway Safety Program
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- National Safety Council
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Project WorkSAFE
- Safe Kids Worldwide
- Youth Safety Council of Vermont
Contact Us
If you have questions or comments about any of the Health Department's Injury Prevention Programs, call us at 802-863-7596
In This Section
Many Vermonters are affected by falls at some point in their life. People who are 65 years and older are increasingly at risk of falling, and therefore potentially injury. As we age, we are more likely to be injured in a fall.
Suicide touches the lives of many Vermonters. Our intentional self-harm and death by suicide rates are significantly higher than the United States rates. Find help, learn about warning, signs, risk and protective factors. Read about what Vermont is doing to prevent suicide.
Gun violence affects the lives of many Vermonters each year. Firearm-related injuries and deaths are preventable and we can all play a role in creating safer communities.
In an overdose, opioids can slow breathing to the point of death. To save lives, the Health Department gives out a medication called naloxone (brand name Narcan®) that can reverse an overdose.
Vermont's lakes, rivers and swimming holes are an important part of our recreational landscape. Whether boating, swimming or just splashing around, here are tips to safely enjoy water activities.