Washington Health Sponsors Community Safety Fair Oct. 4

In response to the community’s desire to learn more about safety and injury prevention, Washington Health will host its first Community Safety Fair, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Washington West, 2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont.

Informative sessions will include how to stop bleeding; choking prevention; injury prevention; and cycling safety. These, along with kid-friendly activities, promise to make the indoor and outdoor event both educational and fun for families.

Members of the community will have the opportunity to talk to first responders and view emergency vehicles from the area’s fire, police, and emergency services departments. Event partner Bike East Bay, a biking advocacy and safety organization, will hold a bike rodeo, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to demonstrate the rules of the road and safe cycling.

This event is the latest in Washington Health’s community health series, which has included heart, family, and behavioral health programs. “Response to this year’s Community Health Needs Assessment told us that residents want to know more about staying safe and preventing injury,” says Kayla Gupta, Community Outreach manager.

The Community Safety Fair marks the first anniversary of the Washington Health Trauma Center, which opened July 1, 2024, according to Jennifer Kubisz, RN, Trauma Program director. “Our goal is to make our community safer,” she explains, “and this Community Safety Fair will raise residents’ awareness on how to avoid injury.”

Creating a Safer Community

“The more we can promote safety and prevent injuries in our community, the better our community will be,” she adds.

In the past year since opening, the Washington Health Trauma Center has cared for approximately 2,300 patients, many whose lives were saved following injuries from gunshots, burns, car accidents, falls, and other traumas.

“A major concern for injury is bicycle accidents, especially from electric bikes and scooters,” says Kubisz. With this in mind, the Community Safety Fair will stress bike safety, especially the need to wear helmets. Free bike helmets will be given to the first 120 guests. Tourniquets for bleeding and first aid information will also be available. Children will enjoy free face-painting, balloon animals, and Kona ice.

Community members can also attend an informative session on drug use, and receive free naloxone kits — the lifesaving medication for opioid overdose — from the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse.

The Washington Health Trauma Center also wants to raise awareness for fall prevention, both in and out of the home. “Falls are increasing with an aging population,” notes Kubisz. “We want to encourage people to keep moving, stay strong, and to prevent sedentary lifestyles that can lead to falls and accidents.”

Teaching Fall Prevention, Bike Safety

Each year, millions of Americans age 65 and up, experience a fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than one in four seniors fall each year, yet less than half ever tell their doctor. One fall increases the chances of falling again.

Kubisz encourages families to evaluate their homes for fall hazards, including loose cords on the floor, scatter rugs, clutter, and unsafe stairs.

Organizations or community members who want more safety information or training can contact the Trauma Program, which is happy to come to a workplace or other location to educate. Email TraumaDept@whhs.com to inquire about training.

“Having a trauma center right in Fremont, makes our community safer. The community can rest assured that Washington Health Trauma Center is here for them,” says Kubisz.

The center also posts safety videos on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/@washington_health/shorts

Members of the community are encouraged to mark their calendars for Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking is free.