Injury in Utah

Injury is the leading cause of death for all Utah children and adults ages 1–44, and kills almost four people every day. On average every year in Utah:

• 1,400 Utahns die as a result of an injury;
• 10,900 Utahns are hospitalized for serious injuries; and
• 176,600 Utahns are treated in emergency rooms because of injuries.

Injuries are divided into two main types: intentional and unintentional. Intentional injuries include those due to rape and sexual assault, domestic violence, and self-harm (suicide), while unintentional injuries include those that result from motor vehicle crashes, falls, drowning and bicycle crashes, to name a few. But, whether suffered in a car crash, a football game or a fall down the stairs, the fact is the vast majority of injuries are preventable.

The proper use of car seats and seatbelts, bicycle, skatebord and motorcycle helmets, and locking and unloading firearms would save thousands of lives every year.

Our Mission

The Utah Department of Health Violence and Injury Prevention Program is "a trusted and comprehensive resource for data related to violence and injury. Through education, this information helps promote partnerships and programs to prevent injuries and improve public health."

To accomplish our mission, we collaborate with many partners to:

1. Collect injury data and conduct injury research.
2. Conduct education to increase awareness of injury causes and prevention.
3. Support legislation and enforcement efforts that reduce injury hazards and increase safe behaviors.
4. Plan and implment community-based injury prevention programs and activities.

Utah Injury Prevention Strategic Plan 2008