During the August congressional recess, an estimated 4 million Americans received medical care for injuries, generating $9 billion in lifetime medical expenses. Injury is the number one cause of death for people ages 1 to 45 and the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages. Nearly 50 million non-fatal injuries in the U.S. each year require medical care. Annually, injuries generate lifetime costs to society of $406 billion, including $80 billion in medical care.

Examples of proven effective prevention measures that can save lives and money are car seats and bike helmets. "These safety products have demonstrated their injury prevention and cost savings benefit time and again. Yet, only a handful of children's hospitals offer comprehensive safety resource centers that we know can ensure that parents have access to lifesaving education and effective injury prevention devices," explained Gielen. "At the other end of the age spectrum, older adults who exercise regularly, have their vision checked, undergo medication management, and who have access to a home hazard assessment can reduce their risk of experiencing a life-altering fall. Comprehensive fall-prevention services can help reduce the 11.5 million falls treated annually in the health care system and the $14 billion in lifetime medical costs generated as a result."

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