Framing the problem: injuries and public health.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce the field of injury control and public health approaches to injury prevention.


METHODS
A review of injury epidemiology, definitions, intervention approaches, and the importance of injury as a public health problem.


RESULTS
Injuries are a large national and international problem affecting families and communities. Injuries are predictable and preventable. Behavioral, environmental, and technological solutions will be necessary to reduce or eliminate injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Reductions in injury and their costs to families and communities are possible but will need support, collaboration, and partnering at the local level.
Sleet
David A
DA
Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. dsleet@cdc.gov
Moffett
Daphne B
DB
D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000059:Accidents / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control