Agenda - 12-03-1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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INJURY PREVENTION 32 Unintentional injuries are the major cause of death among persons 1 -44 years old in the C.S. The injuries also leave thousands suffering lifelong chronic disabilities. For the first four decades of life unintentional injuries claim more lives than infectious or chronic diseases. lion -fatal injuries comprise a huge problem in terms of lost productivity, medical care costs, and long -term disability. In Orange County in 1984 -1988 accidents accounted for 16 of 38 deaths in persons less than 20 years making accidents the leading cause of death in this age group. (Data Series 4 -A) The majority of deaths involved motor vehicles. Other accidental deaths in -N.C. involved fire, asphyxia, drowning, bicycles, and guns. 'ion- reported accidents can lead to increased morbidity and are not reflected in the data. Years of life lost from motor vehicle accidents in N.C. is 234,262. This is greater than years lost from heart disease and cancer. This high number reflects the young age of the victims. Years of life lost from non -motor vehicle accidents in N.C. is 125,531. (Data Series 4 -D) In the U.S. there has been an 11% decrease in the mortality rate from MVA in the years 1981 -1986. However in N.C. the rate increased by 4 %. The N.C. rate for other accidents decreased but not as much as did the national rate. The N.C. mortality rate for all accidents is higher than the national rate. The Year 2000 National Objectives include 21 objectives involving reduction of unintentional injuries. The objectives include reduction of deaths from motor vehicles, fire, falls, and drowning and injuries from poisoning, head injury, and spinal cord injury. Also targeted is increased public awareness through the school systems and through education to primary care providers, allied health pr -ofessiorrals, and teachers. 29