Injury and violence are serious threats to the health and well being of children and adolescents in the United States. Children and adolescents are at high risk for many injuries that can lead to death or disability. (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/cmprfact.htm)
Child Abuse & Neglect
Children suffer abuse or neglect. In most cases, the abuser is someone known to the child -- a parent, family member, teacher, or regular caregiver. Survivors are at increased risk for smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, suicide, and other negative health outcomes. There were 656 reports that were determined to be probable cause between 1999 and 2005. Of those cases, the majority were neglect, physical abuse or sexual maltreatment. Although child abuse and neglect rates for Randolph County are significantly higher than the State, there has been a significant decline in the rate since 2001.
Falls
Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reflects that, in 2003, more than 1.8 million seniors age 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries and more than 421,000 were hospitalized. In Randolph County, for the period 1995 through 2004, data from the Department of Health and Senior Services reflects that emergency room visits for injuries caused by a fall has continued to rise, as is the case for Missouri as a whole. This may be attributable to the increasing age of the population.
Motor Vehicle Injuries
The rates of hospitalization and death as a result of motor vehicle traffic accidents are statistically significantly higher than the Missouri rates. Between 1994 and 2004, there were 74 deaths and 397 hospitalizations.
Randolph County has
significantly higher rates
of Emergency Room visits
for burns and poisonings
by either drugs, alcohol, or
gas. cleaners, or caustic
chemicals.
In an effort to curb the rising
rates of unintentional
injuries in children, a number
of programs have been
established. Baby Boost, a
home visitation program,
provides family support
workers who help parents
build skills, learn to play
with their children, and
with financial assistance
through the Department of
Social Services, provide
toys, games and books.
Please refer to the links on the left for the Table of Contents.