Trust for America's HealthA recent study by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released May 22 compares injury-related deaths from state to state in America. The document, The Facts Hurt: A State-By-State Injury Prevention Policy Report, shows Florida had the 18th highest rate with 66.8 per 100,000 people suffering injury fatalities costing total lifetime of $117.7 million in medical expenses.

Nationwide, injuries are the third leading cause of death and the leading cause for Americans ages 1-44. In addition, approximately 50 million Americans are medically treated for injuries every year and 2.8 hospitalized. This in turn, sums up to $406 billion in lifetime costs for both, medical care and lost productivity.

Needless to say, the report’s purpose and conclusion emphasizes the need for states to adopt additional research-based injury prevention policies. When properly implemented and enforced, we could see injury numbers decline due to prevention.

“There are proven, evidence-based strategies that can spare millions of Americans from injuries each year”, says Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. “This report focuses on specific, scientifically supported steps we can take to make it easier for Americans to keep themselves and their families safer.”

To view the report, visit http://healthyamericans.org/reports/injury12/. To view Florida’s results, visit http://healthyamericans.org/reports/injury12/release.php?stateid=FL.