Hospitals Light Up Green on Nov. 18 to Prevent Injuries
KEARNEY & GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — CHI Health Good Samaritan and CHI Health St. Francis will light up in green the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 18, to spotlight the importance of safety. Held on National Injury Prevention Day, the “Shine a Green Light for Safety” initiative encourages communities to unite and proactively prevent injuries, especially among children.
Unintentional injuries remain the leading cause of death for Americans under age 45. While traditional hazards like motor vehicle crashes, suffocation and drowning remain significant risks for younger populations, the rise of e-bikes and e-scooters has created a new and alarming trend in emergency rooms across the nation.
“We are seeing a significant uptick in ER visits with severe injuries sustained from e-bike and e-scooter accidents,” says Mindy Walters, RN, trauma coordinator, St. Francis. “Many of these injuries are caused by high speeds, a lack of protective gear and a misunderstanding of how these devices operate. We want our community to enjoy e-rides, but not at the expense of their health. It only takes a few extra moments to better understand safety protocols, proper operation and to throw on a helmet.”
The hospitals invite the community to join the injury prevention movement by wearing green on Nov. 18. It is also an opportunity for families to review and update home safety measures.
“Injury prevention doesn't have to be complicated; it starts with the small actions we take every day,” says Tracy Rademacher, RN, trauma outreach, Good Samaritan. “I encourage families to lead by example — when kids see us prioritizing safety, they learn to do the same. Let’s make injury prevention a team effort.”
CHI Health recommends these quick and easy safety steps:
-E-Ride Safety: Wear a helmet that fits correctly and is rated for the expected speed of impact. Implement a “No Helmet/No Ride” policy. Stop and check for traffic at all intersections and follow the rules of the road.
-Vehicle Safety: Use age-appropriate car or booster seats. Children under 12 should always ride in the back seat. Always model seat belt use.
-Suffocation/Choking: Keep cribs empty (firm mattress, no toys/blankets). Keep small objects and cords away from children. Always cut grapes and hot dogs lengthwise.
-Water/Drowning Safety: Designate an adult “water-watcher” — no phones or other distractions. Enforce mandatory life jacket use. Schedule swimming lessons for youth. Secure pools with four-sided protective fencing.
-Poisoning/Overdose: Lock medications and chemicals out of sight. Dispose of old medications safely. Keep Narcan accessible if opioids are in the home.
For more information on how to keep your family safe, visit nationalinjurypreventionday.org.
About CHI Health Disease and Injury Prevention Efforts
Beyond clinical excellence, CHI Health is deeply committed to preventative health and injury reduction across central Nebraska. Our expert clinicians extend their reach beyond hospital walls, equipping families, schools and local partners with the resources to prioritize safety and wellness. Through a unique blend of advanced medical expertise, public service messaging and grassroots advocacy, CHI Health is driven by a singular mission: to build healthier, safer communities and empower our neighbors to live active lives.