State Injury & Violence Prevention
Tennessee's Injury and Violence Prevention Program works with state and local partners to help Tennessee communities implement evidence-based injury and violence prevention programs.Injuries and Violence are Both Preventable
The Injury and Violence Prevention Program works with state and local partners to help Tennessee communities implement evidence-based injury and violence prevention programs.
The program provides the following:
- Injury data to community groups and the public to assist them in their injury and violence prevention program design and development
- Technical assistance related to program implementation and evaluation
- Provision of child safety seats
- Education and training on Injury and violence topics
Defining "Injury"
Injury is a major public health problem across the U.S. and in Tennessee. It is the leading cause of death among children and young adults and leads to an overwhelming 161 thousand years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to death before the age of 75 in the state of Tennessee from one year alone. While fatal injuries are tragic, they represent only a small portion of the actual burden of injury in our population. Thousands of Tennesseans face disability and chronic pain for the rest of their lives due to injuries that are often predictable and preventable.
- In 2020, Injuries in Tennessee caused 8,224 deaths, 37, 437 hospitalizations and 469,180 emergency department visits. Each day in Tennessee there are approximately 22 deaths due to injuries, 98 hospitalizations for treatment of an injury, and 1,285 visits to an emergency room for an injury.
- Unintentional injury is the number one cause of death for Tennesseans, ages 1-44. Prescription drug overdose is the number one cause of injury death in Tennessee followed by motor vehicle crashes.
Defining "Violence"
Violence is the intentional use of power or force against oneself or another person. Examples of violence include suicide, homicide and sexual assault.
- Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for Tennesseans ages 25-34 and the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 15-24 in 2020.
- In 2020, homicide accounted for 562 deaths in Tennessee.
- There were 5,284 sexual assaults reported in Tennessee in 2020.
Tennessee Injury Prevention Companion Initiatives and Programs
Contact
Contact the Injury and Violence Prevention Program at (615) 532-7778 for information on any of our initiatives.
State Injury Prevention Focus Areas
Core SIPP supports health department infrastructure, data, and partnerships to identify and respond to existing and emerging injury threats with data-driven public health actions. This support is intended to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors using the best available evidence to prevent injuries and death. The Core SIPP program includes utilizing robust data and surveillance, strengthening strategic collaborations and partnerships, and conducting assessment and evaluation.
The TDH Injury Prevention Program utilizes the CDC Core Grant to develop and support injury prevention programs designed to reduce Positve and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs), Traumatic Brain Injury, Motor Vehicle Crashes and Suicide Prevention.
Through robust data collection (surveillance), partner collaboration, evaluation, and program implementation, we strive to drive public health action to reduce injury in Tennessee.
The program also supports internal and external partners to address other injury and violence prevention topics such as Rape Prevention, Fall Prevention, Poisoning and Overdoses Prevention, and Infant Safe Sleep.
Fall Prevention
As Tennessee’s population ages, the prevention of fall injuries is becoming a serious public health challenge. There were 970 deaths related to falls in Tennessee in 2020. Approximately 84%, or 812, occurred in individuals who were 65 years old and older. Many seniors experience a fear of falling and as a result they limit their activity levels which can often cause physical weakness and actually increase their fall risk.
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Senior Fall Prevention Training
A Matter of Balance
This program can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falling. It designed for older adults (60 or older) who are concerned about falls, have sustained a fall in the past, limit their activities because of fall concerns, amd wamt to improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
For more information about Matter of Balance classes contact your Local Health Department.
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)
SAIL classes are designed specifically for older adults and focus on strength, balance, flexibility and aerobics. The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) offers instructor training and support to maintain the SAIL program locally.
For more information on SAIL instructor training, please contact KCHD health educator Rachel Frazier at 865-215-5175 or Rachel.Frazier@knoxcounty.org.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Tennessee teenagers. Each year an average of 68 children ages 15-19 die as a result of motor vehicle crashes. Motor vehicle crashes are also the leading cause of death for ages 1-14 and the second leading cause for emergency room visits and hospitalizations for this age group.
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Motor Vehicle Injury Prevention Programs
- Car Seat Distribution - The Tennessee Department of Health manages the child safety fund generated through fines for non-use of a child safety seat. These monies are distributed to entities throughout the state for the sole purpose of purchasing and distributing car seats to families with infants and young children. Hospitals, health departments and other non-profit organizations apply for the funds on an annual basis and distribute over 2000 infant, toddler and booster seats each year. Parents in need of a car seat can conysvy their Local Health Department or call 615-741-7353 for information.
- Reduce TN Crashes - Reduce TN Crashes is a school-based crash reduction campaign from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. Schools can complete motor vehicle crash prevention activities to earn points for their school. Once schools complete activities, they submit the appropriate information on the Reduce TN Crashes website to get points. Schools earning at least 100 points receive a bronze safety award, schools earning 1,000 points receive a silver safety award and schools earning 3,000 points get a gold safety award.
- CarFit - CarFit offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. Information and resources that could enhance the personal safety of older drivers are provided by trained technicians and/or health professionals. At a CarFit event, a team of trained technicians and/or health professionals work with each participant to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety. A CarFit check takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Using this site, you can click here to view an up-to-date listing of CarFit events scheduled throughout the country, or in your area.
Poisioning & Prescription Drug Overdoses
TDH promotes efforts with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for the proper disposal of prescription drugs. Secure medication drop-off boxes are located throughout Tennessee.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition in which a baby has withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to certain substances, either when a pregnant woman uses substances or when very sick babies receive medications after birth to help control pain or agitation. In either case, Visit the Department's NAS webpage for more information.
The Tennessee Poison Center is a comprehensive poison resource center. For immediate poison help, call 1-800-222-1222.
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Additional Resources
- Count It! Lock It! Drop It! (CLD) program is designed to reduce prescription drug abuse by engaging educators, law enforcement, physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals to reduce the diversion of prescription medication. The goal is to create a consistent message in communities to monitor, store and properly dispose of medication.
- Controlled Substance Monitoring Database Program: is a database used in Tennessee to monitor the dispensing of Schedule II, III, IV & V controlled substances. The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy and the Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMD) Committee establish, administer, maintain and direct the functioning of the database in accordance State law.
Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences
The early years of life matter to lifelong health and prosperity. Investing in the early childhood years supports children’s mental and physical health throughout their life, their ability to achieve in school and work settings, and their ability to become responsible citizens in adulthood. Healthy child development is the foundation that leads to strong communities and a healthy economy.
Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are experiences during childhood that promote safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments. These experiences can include close relationships with any parent or safe, stable adult; feeling safe at home, at school, and in the community; and having chances to learn and belong in a community. PCEs can help children develop a sense of belonging, connectedness, and build resilience.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic experiences during childhood that may disrupt the formation of brain architecture, affecting lifelong health. Experiences during childhood such as abuse, neglect, or family disfunction can disrupt the safe, stable, and nurturing environments that form healthy brains and help children thrive. Community factors that undermine a child’s sense of safety or stability – such as poverty, community violence, or lack of safe and affordable housing –are also considered ACEs.
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Rape Prevention and Education
exual violence (SV) is a serious problem that affects many people. Personal choices, relationships, community, and society play a role in sexual violence. By working on all these areas, SV can be prevented.
The Rape Prevention Education (RPE) Program helps stop SV before it happens. The Tennessee Department of Health uses this program to teach, train, and learn which prevention strategies work best. The goal is to help people and communities stay safe.
There is still a big need in Tennessee to stop SV from happening in the first place. Teaching people how to prevent it is one of the best ways to keep everyone safe.
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To Learn More: Visit the Tennessee Department of Health's Rape Prevention and Education webpage or contact RPE@tn.gov.
Safe Sleep
The SUID/safe sleep program distributes educational materials and portable cribs to promote infants being placed alone, on their back and in a crib. This initiative implements multiple programs with birthing hospitals (BEST project), home visitors (safe sleep diaper bag project) and first responders (DOSE) to improve safe sleep behavior.
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Suicide Prevention
Suicide death occurs when a person intentionally ends their own life. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among Americans and is the 9th leading cause of death among Tennesseans. For young Tennessee residents aged 10 to 24 years of age, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death and it is the 2nd leading cause of death for adults aged 25-64. However, suicide deaths are only part of the problem. More people survive suicide attempts than die. They are often seriously injured and need medical care.Suicide is a serious public health issue and an immeasurable tragedy for the surviving families, friends, and communities. Suicide is often related to mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders; particularly if undiagnosed or untreated. A mental health condition alone; however, is not necessarily an indicator of suicidal behavior.
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Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, is an acquired injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI frequently is a result of motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, falls and assaults.
Injuries as a result of a TBI can cause partial to total impairment or disability. Persons with a brain injury can experience physical, sensory, cognitive or mental issues. Depending on which area of the brain is injured persons may suffer from poor short-term memory and difficulty with organization, concentration and judgment. They may also experience headaches, seizures, and decreased muscular strength and coordination.
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TDH Injury Data and Reports
Tennessee Drug Overdose Dashboard
This interactive too contains state, regional, and county level data on fatal overdoses, nonfatal overdoses, and drug prescribing.
More Links to Resources
Injury prevention resources are available to parents, providers, schools, and others to support injury prevention program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. These resources include reports, data, and training.The TDH Injury Prevention Program partners with schools, organizations, workplaces, and individuals to provide injury prevention programs to address program priorities and other projects designed to address injury prevalence identified by data surveillance efforts.
Some of the following links are to third-party websites. The Department is not responsible for their accessibility, content, or privacy practices.
This Page Last Updated: March 27, 2026 at 2:06 PM