National Injury Prevention Day in Kansas will be observed on Monday, Nov. 18, marking its fifth year of highlighting the importance of preventing injury and violence. Each day, 20 children die from preventable injuries, a toll greater than all diseases combined. Many of these fatalities can be avoided through the use of safety measures, products, and policies.

National partners supporting the day include organizations like Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe States Alliance, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many others. These partners, along with state and local groups, are working to raise awareness and educate families and communities on creating safer environments.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, injury prevention advocates will host Injury Free Day, a children’s safety fair, and storytime at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library from 10 a.m. to noon. Participating groups include Safe Kids Kansas, Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Health Department, and more.

On the evening of Nov. 18, Evergy Plaza and Stormont Vail Health in Topeka will be illuminated in green to support injury prevention efforts.

More information about National Injury Prevention Day can be found at safekidskansas.org.