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Trinity Health announced today it is launching a Safe Kids coalition in the Magic City. Safe Kids Minot will be affiliated with Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit global network that helps families and communities keep kids safe from injury.

Karen Zimmerman, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, says Trinity Health hopes to bring together local health and safety experts, educators, businesses, volunteers and others to teach community members about childhood safety and injury prevention.

“Pediatric injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children ages 19 and under, and we know that these injuries are predictable and preventable,” Zimmerman said. “Nothing is more important to Trinity Health’s mission than keeping children safe; we would much rather prevent childhood injuries than treat them in the Emergency/Trauma Center.”

Amber Emerson, RN, will serve as Safe Kids Minot Coordinator. A registered nurse, Amber has been associated with Trinity Health for 13 years, working in geriatrics, medical-surgical, and clinic nursing, as well as in the G.I. Lab and Same Day Surgery.  She’ll continue her Same Day Surgery role and assume part-time duty in Trinity’s Trauma Services program, working in the areas of injury prevention and Safe Kids Minot.

“Becoming a parent has shown me that children can have big dreams, and it’s important that they have the chance to grow up and follow those dreams,” Emerson said. “We’re a growing community with an ever-expanding need to keep our kids safe.  The best way to do that is through education and providing the necessary resources.”

Zimmerman praised various local groups that are already doing outstanding work in the area of childhood safety. She said the Safe Kids Minot banner will be a valuable resource to reinforce and amplify those efforts.

Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the United States and with partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more. Minot joins three other coalitions in North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Fargo, and Bismarck-Mandan. Trinity Health will serve as the lead agency of Safe Kids Minot.