Polk County Illuminated in Green to Promote National Injury Prevention Week
Published 11/18/2024 8:10:55 AM
For Immediate Release - Nov. 18, 2024
(Des Moines, IA) — On Monday, Nov. 18, the Polk County Courthouse and Wells Fargo Arena will be illuminated in green light in recognition of National Injury Prevention Week. The Polk County Health Department (PCHD) will be highlighting the critical importance of gun safety throughout the week, as well as raising awareness about other preventable child injuries.
“We all recognize the importance of keeping our kids safe. Families talk about car seats, bike helmets and allergies, but one topic that has been left out of the safety conversation is gun storage,” said PCHD Director Helen Eddy. “Guns are now the leading cause of death for youth, and we encourage people to help protect kids by storing firearms locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition.”
PCHD’s Talk It Up, Lock It Up gun safety campaign provides resources to community partners and families helping to destigmatize conversations around gun safety and keep children safe. To learn more about the campaign and find tools for reducing gun-related injuries and deaths in Polk County, visit polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/gun-safety/.
The Polk County Board of Supervisors will recognize National Injury Prevention Week with a proclamation at the Tuesday, Nov. 19 Board Meeting.
“Gun safety saves lives,” said Polk County Board Chair Angela Connolly. “The Talk It Up, Lock It Up gun safety campaign has helped raised crucial awareness around this issue, and we encourage everyone to join us in recognizing Injury Prevention Week by having important conversations about gun safety.”
Free gun trigger locks are available at multiple locations throughout Polk County including libraries, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. To see a map of pick-up sites, visit polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/gun-safety/pick-up-a-free-gun-lock/.
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The Polk County Health Department strives to create the conditions for all people to live healthy lives by engaging residents, reducing health disparities and attending to the needs of our most vulnerable families.
Follow us on X, Meta and Instagram. For more information about the Polk County Health Department, please visit https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/.
Media Contact:
Addie Olson, Public Health Communications Officer
515.286.3848 (office) × 515.782.7236 (cell)