Hennepin Healthcare-HCMC Trauma Prevention Program

07/09/2025

Last year, the warned us about the poisoning risk that comes with wet, warm weather and an increase in wild mushroom growth. This year, the pattern has returned—and so have the calls.

“They are doing the right thing by calling us,” explains Samantha Lee, Director and Clinical Toxicologist at the Minnesota Regional Poison Center “We’ve been seeing a rise in calls about children finding mushrooms in the yard, as well as adults foraging wild mushrooms that look edible but aren’t. Some mushrooms can cause only mild stomach upset, but others can lead to severe liver damage or even death. If you have questions or concerns about exposures or ingestions – or possible ingestions – the Minnesota Regional Poison Center should be your first call at 1-800-222-1222. We are free and available 24/7 to help.”

07/07/2025

Help protect kids from heatstroke by remembering to ACT:

· A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.

· C: Create reminders so you don’t forget to take your child from the car. Put something next to your child that you will need at your final destination, such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine

· T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

For more information on preventing child heatstroke deaths visit www.safekids.org/heatstroke.

07/05/2025

Thank you to the Minnesota American Indian Center for hosting a variety of Hennepin Healthcare programs, including our Trauma Prevention Program, during Elder Brain Health Day.

It was a fantastic event focused on keeping brains healthy with age. Our team shared important information on fall prevention and how it plays a key role in preventing traumatic brain injuries.

Grateful to be part of such a meaningful day of learning and connection!

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you a safe and healthy celebration. Remember, if a burn does happy during today's celebration:
- run cool (not cold) water on the burn
- remove all clothing or diapers from the injury
- cover the area with a clean bandage
- seek medical attention as soon as possible

07/03/2025

A little rain couldn’t stop these safety campers!

Last month, our Trauma Prevention Program proudly participated in a local safety camp, helping to educate and empower kids to prevent injuries.

This session focused on car safety, including the importance of booster seats and seat belts, what it means to be a safe passenger, and how to avoid distracting the driver.

At the end of the session, every camper took the Car Safety Pledge. Will you take the pledge?

I pledge to:

✅ Wear my seat belt every ride

✅ Encourage everyone in the car to wear their seat belt

✅ Be a safe passenger and not distract the driver

Helping kids build safe habits that last a lifetime!

07/02/2025

Last month, members of Nokomis Square Cooperative Senior Living gathered for important discussions on fall prevention, and what a great turnout!

Over 70 participants attended each day, engaging in topics like home modifications to reduce fall risk, exercises to improve balance and strength, and much more.

A fun, lively group committed to staying safe and independent!

07/01/2025

Fireworks are fun — but safety comes first!
As you celebrate, keep these tips in mind:

✅ Only use legal fireworks and follow local laws
✅ Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
✅ Never relight a “dud” firework
✅ Light one at a time and move away quickly
✅ Never let young children handle fireworks

Let’s keep the holiday safe and sparkling for everyone!

06/30/2025

Operate heavy machinery? A weekend warrior?
Be prepared for the unexpected. Sign up for a free Stop the Bleed course, offered monthly at Hennepin Healthcare.

You'll learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and take action to save a life.

Find the next class: www.stopthebleed.org

06/20/2025

Did you know the Far Hand Reach method can help prevent "dooring" a bicyclist? It’s a simple technique to improve visualization and checking your side mirrors before exiting the car.

Watch this quick video to learn how to use the Far Hand Reach method can reduce the risk of injuring a bicyclist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxS6c6VoxnQ

Small habits like this can make a big difference in preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe.

Bicyclist deaths have increased faster than overall roadway deaths recently, particularly for American Indian, Black and Hispanic bicyclists. Here's somethin...

06/19/2025

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on our roads — but it’s completely preventable. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can have devastating consequences.

Watch this powerful survival story that shows just how quickly a moment of distraction can change a life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dl3rabnocI

Let’s all commit to keeping our focus on the road and driving distraction-free. Your attention can save lives — maybe even your own.

Robye Nothnagel suffered severe injuries as the victim of a distracted driving crash. The NSC Survivor Advocate Network is a community of individuals and fam...

06/18/2025

The 100 Deadliest Days on our roads are here — the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day when distracted driving crashes increase dramatically.

At least nine people a day lose their lives in distracted driving crashes. Whether it’s handheld or hands-free calls, texts, emails, social media, passengers, snacks, or vehicle touchscreens — any activity that takes your hands, eyes, or attention off the road is a distraction.

Distracted driving isn’t just risky for you; it can be deadly for everyone around you — drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and workers.

Make the commitment to stay focused and help keep our roads safe. Take the pledge to avoid distracted driving and encourage others to do the same:
https://www.nsc.org/faforms/ddam-pledge

Let’s all do our part to get home safely every day.

Read the list of common driving distractions and commit to driving distraction-free by signing the NSC Just Drive pledge.

06/17/2025

Think you know the rules of the road? Test your knowledge with the National Safety Council’s Roadway Safety Quiz! Whether you’re driving to work, home, or anywhere in between, staying informed can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.

Take the quiz here: https://www.nsc.org/workplace/national-safety-month/nsm-public-materials/roadway-safety-quiz

Drive smart, stay safe!