The Sakonnet River Bridge will illuminate green Tuesday evening as part of a statewide effort to raise awareness about injury and violence prevention, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced.
The lighting coincides with National Injury Prevention Day and recognizes injuries and violence as the leading causes of death and hospitalization nationally for people ages 1 to 44.
“Injury prevention is about simple, proven steps that protect the people we love,” said Dr. Jerry Larkin, director of health. “From safe sleep practices and car seat use to falls prevention and secure firearm storage, we all have a role to play.”
Gov. Dan McKee issued a proclamation recognizing Nov. 18 as Injury Prevention Day in Rhode Island.
Several other Rhode Island landmarks will also light up green, including the Pawtucket Bridge, Superman Building in Providence, Crossroads Rhode Island and the Amica Convention Center.
The health department’s Violence and Injury Prevention Program works on evidence-based strategies including fall prevention for older adults, suicide prevention campaigns, sexual violence prevention and transportation safety.
Falls remain a leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations among older adults in Rhode Island, according to the department. Motor vehicle crashes, assaults and traumatic brain injury are major contributors to injury-related emergency care. Suicide remains a critical public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
The department recommends Rhode Islanders practice safe sleep for infants, use properly installed car seats and seatbelts, prevent falls by removing tripping hazards and improving home lighting, safely store firearms locked and unloaded with ammunition stored separately, wear helmets when biking and drive sober and distraction-free.
More information is available at health.ri.gov/violence. People in crisis can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.