Historic County Courthouse Illuminated in Green to Promote National Injury Prevention Day

(Des Moines, IA) – Polk County is participating in this year’s National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD). On Friday, November 17, Polk County Courthouse will be illuminated in green light to raise awareness about gun injuries and other preventable child injuries in the community.

Polk County Health Department Director Helen Eddy says, “On National Prevention Day, we recognize the importance of talking about preventable child injuries. Families talk about car seats, bike helmets and allergies, but one topic that has been left out of the safety conversation is gun storage. As guns are now the leading cause of death for youth in Polk County, we encourage people to have a conversation about storing their firearms locked and unloaded in their homes and vehicles.”

You can help raise awareness of gun injuries and other preventable child injuries by wearing green on Friday and Saturday, November 17 and 18. Post pictures of yourself with family, friends and colleagues wearing green on social media and use the hashtag #nipd2023Polk.

“We encourage everyone to participate in National Injury Prevention Day this year. It is important we continue to normalize the conversation around gun safety,” said Polk County Board Chair Tom Hockensmith.

Proper gun storage can prevent accidental injuries and reduce gun-related injuries.

Make sure your firearms are stored locked and unloaded. Help destigmatize the conversation around gun safety by talking to your friends and family. We need the community’s help to reduce gun-related injuries and protect our kids. To learn more about gun safety, visit PCHD’s website. Gun Safety Saves Lives. Talk it Up, Lock it Up.

Free gun trigger locks are available at multiple locations throughout Des Moines including libraries, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. The locks will also be available to the public during business hours on Friday, November 17th at the Polk County Administration Building (111 Court Ave., Des Moines). To see a map of pick-up sites, visit PCHD’s website.

Polk County
Board of Supervisors Office News
Contact:
Jon Cahill- Communications Specialist
Polk County Board of Supervisors
O: (515) 286-2094 C: (515)587-8303

For Immediate Release
Date 11/16/2023