Inova Trauma Center – Fairfax has programs surrounding safe infant and child education. These programs are handled by Linda Watkins, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Inova Trauma Center – Fairfax. For more information, please contact her at linda.watkins@inova.org or call 703-776-3259.
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus serves as the leader of the Safe Kids Fairfax County Coalition. Safe Kids Fairfax County is part of Safe Kids Worldwide.
Safe Kids coalitions in the United States take action to provide proven and practical ways to keep kids safe. They host safety events, conduct workshops, advocate for effective legislation, and distribute safety devices when available. The coalition also teaches parents, caregivers, and children how to use these important resources correctly.
Safe Kids Fairfax County is a collaborative committee of organizations and community members with a vested interest in preventing unintentional injury to children ages 0 to 18. The coalition provides community-based injury programs for children and parents, including special events and educational outreach. Risk areas addressed include but are not limited to: childproofing education to expectant parents, new parents and teen parents, infant safe sleep, fall prevention, choking hazards, suffocation, poisoning, drowning, playground safety, fire and burn prevention, and pedestrian and bike safety.
The coalition meets monthly.
Inova holds bike safety rodeos throughout Fairfax County. Rodeos include a lesson on bike safety, bike helmet fittings, giveaways of free helmets (when available) to participating children, and a ride-through "obstacle" course. Bike rodeos are scheduled by request.
This child passenger safety program covers proper car seat use and installation. Training is provided to the community through seminars and outreach events. The injury prevention coordinator regularly participates with community car seat inspections. Inova Trauma Center and Fairfax Safe Kids Coalition also hold their own inspections for the community several times a year.