If you build it, will they come? Using a mobile safety centre to disseminate safety information and products to low-income urban families.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the utilisation-related outcomes associated with visiting the Johns Hopkins CareS (Children are Safe) Mobile Safety Center (MSC), a 40-foot vehicle designed to deliver effective injury prevention interventions and education to low-income urban families.


METHODS
Utilisation-related data were collected when the MSC was accessible at a community health centre and at community events from August 2004 to July 2006 in Baltimore City.


METHODS
Adults bringing their child for well child care at a community health centre and MSC visitors at community events.


METHODS
Low-cost safety products and free personalized educational services are provided on the MSC, which replicates a home environment and contains interactive exhibits.


METHODS
Perceived benefits of visiting the MSC; products and services received.


RESULTS
MSC visitors (n = 83) and non-visitors (n = 127) did not differ in sociodemographic and injury-related characteristics; 96% of visitors reported learning something new as a result of their visit and 98% would recommend the MSC. During the first 2 years of operation, the MSC made 273 appearances, serving 6086 people. Home child safety products accounted for 71% of the 559 products distributed; educational materials made up 87% of the 7982 services received. Car safety seats accounted for 23% of the products distributed; installations made up 4% of the services received.


CONCLUSIONS
This approach to disseminating injury prevention interventions holds promise for enhancing the appeal of safety information and increasing the protection of children.
Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. agielen@jhsph.edu
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Gielen
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McDonald
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Frattaroli
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McKenzie
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Backes
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Glenshaw
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Shields
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Bulzacchelli
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019058:Community Networks; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008952:Mobile Health Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011203:Poverty; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011482:Protective Devices; D014504:Urban Health; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult