Operation Keeping Kids Safe (OKKS) is a distinctive program of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), that provides comprehensive education on childhood injury prevention and installation of child safety devices to Orange County families. Their goal is to decrease the incidence of childhood injury, disability, and death. The target population is families with children birth to five years old who reside in residential motels or substandard living conditions. Child safety specialists visit families identified through motel outreach and by professionals in the community to provide thorough in-home safety assessments and child safety education. In addition, free safety devices are installed in the home to reduce childhood injuries and to promote a safe living environment. Families are offered follow-up visits to support and reinforce injury prevention education and to ensure proper use of installed safety equipment.

OKKS has been an active SCIPP site since 2005. David Seman, Program Coordinator and Christian Rohner, Outreach Coordinator have both provided IPP materials to their clients. They say that the IPP brochures reinforce what they teach their clients. Clients can refer to the brochures if questions arise later, and information can be passed along to family and friends.

WHAT CAN SCIPP DO FOR YOU:

• Help save time on counseling
• Provide car seat information
• Supply you with free injury prevention materials and resources
• Conduct injury prevention presentations for your staff

To become a SCIPP site, please contact Annelee Gallegos at 714-971-0695 or via email at amgallegos@sbcglobal.net. If you are already a SCIPP site, consider becoming a Connected Kids provider so you can address violence prevention issues as well.

Compelling brain research by Dr. Bruce Perry of the Child Trauma Academy shows negative, long term effects of young children's exposure to violence. Therefore, the OC Safe from the Start Advisory Council was formed by prominent Orange County leaders to reduce children's exposure to violence. The initiative is developing an improved system of collaboration in which all community partners work towards the shared goal of keeping Orange County's children safe. This public health campaign provides FREE training and professional development to community partners using the OC Safe from the Start toolkit. The toolkit includes information and strategies for identifying and improving the health and well-being of all children. This multimedia toolkit features two interactive DVDs, a facilitator guide, and several resource materials. The toolkit and training component are currently offered only in English; however, OC Safe from the Start will produce culturally appropriate materials in other languages such as Spanish and Vietnamese for equal access and awareness in the community. The Spanish toolkit and training component will be available in Spring 2008, while the Vietnamese toolkit and training component will be offered in Fall 2008.

OC Safe from the Start has taken a multidisciplinary approach in promoting violence prevention and safety in the lives of young children by holding eleven Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops over the past year and training 135 professionals from early childhood education/childcare, health/medical, law enforcement, family resource centers, and the faith community. A few of these professionals have held Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops within their respective organizations to build community outreach to the families they serve, while others have incorporated information from the TOT into their current practice. The momentum of this initiative continues to build as we gain more members and increase the awareness of this important collaborative.

For more information, please contact Rose Hedegard, Program Specialist - OC Safe from the Start at 714/327-1051, or at rhedegard@ocde.us. You can also visit their website at www.ocsfts.ocde.us

On October 3rd 2007, thousands of Orange County children will celebrate Walk to School Day. Walk to School Day is an event that encourages adults and children to walk together with the purpose of promoting safety, health, physical activity and concern for the environment. In California, approximately one in five children walk to school and one in four walk home from school. Walking to school on a daily basis can benefit those children who may be overweight or at risk from becoming overweight. It is a great way to contribute to the recommended one hour or more of moderate and/or vigorous physical activity per day.

By participating in Walk to School Day, children are not only encouraged to adopt safe walking skills but are also given the opportunity to assess their route to school. By completing a "Walkabilty Checklist", they are able to document problem areas and identify both immediate and long-term solutions. The information can then be shared with schools, community leaders, and media, to build awareness on what the community may need to do to become more walkable.

This year, the Orange County Health Care Agency, in partnership with the Orange County Safe Kids Coalition, The Healthy Eating Active Communities (HEAC) Initiative, and other organizations, will promote Walk to School Day countywide.

There are many opportunities for health care providers to support Walk to School Day! Here are some ideas:

• Call or send a letter to a nearby school encouraging them to participate in Walk to School Day. A sample letter can be found at: www.ochealthinfo.com.
• Encourage your patients and/or clients to walk to school and participate in related school events.
• Volunteer to help a school already signed up to participate. On the morning of Walk to School Day, schools will need help with day of event activities. Contact Berenis Quinones for a list of participating schools: bquinones@ochca.com.
• Coordinate your office staff to "adopt" a nearby school for Walk to School Day. You might donate bottled water, healthy snacks or incentive items to distribute to kids who walk.

Support children walking to school all year long! Here are some ideas:

• Remind your patients and/or clients that walking is a good way to help with weight management, and physical activity has been linked with better academic performance.
• Post signs or posters in your office promoting walking.
• Advocate for safe routes to school by working with your local school and city staff. The second leading cause of death for 5-12 year old youth is being struck by a car.

Help spread the word with local schools and other community partners! If you are interested in learning more about Walk to School Day or would like to receive free planning materials, visit ochealthinfo.com/.

For more information please contact, Berenis Quinones at 714-667-8336 or bquinones@ochca.com.

Halloween signals the beginning of the holiday season, a time for fun and festivities. To ensure a safe outing consider the following tips:

• Children should wear costumes that are fire proof, easy to walk in and can easily be seen by others, especially drivers.
• All costume props should have smooth edges and be made of flexible materials that do not cause injuries.
• Use make-up instead of a mask. Masks make it difficult to see and cause injuries or falls. When buying Halloween make-up, check packages for color additives and non-toxic ingredients that meet Federal Standards. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.
• If masks are worn, there should be nose, mouth and eye openings.
• Always have a trusted adult supervise children at all times while trick-or-treating.
• Go trick-or-treating in familiar areas that are well-lit.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
• Children should only approach well-lit homes and should never enter homes unless they have received parental permission.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Never allow children to eat the candy received until a trusted adult has properly inspected it.

For more safety tips, contact your local Police or Sheriff's Department.

17320 Red Hill Ave., Suite 120, Irvine, CA 92614