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.
Gielen
A C
AC
Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. agielen@jhsph.edu
McDonald
E
E
Frattaroli
S
S
McKenzie
L B
LB
Backes
B
B
Glenshaw
M
M
Shields
W
W
Bulzacchelli
M T
MT
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