It’s Time for Change! Organizations across the Country are Unifying their Voices to Prevent Injuries and Violence

November 17, 2023

Media Release


Contact: Reta Adler, radler@jpmacares.org

DiLenny Roca, dr146@columbia.edu


(New York) The color green is often a color associated with safety, growth, and prosperity – all things we want for our communities. For the fourth year in a row, the nation’s top prevention advocates have joined forces on National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD) to bring about the changes necessary to reduce these staggering statistics through a variety of outlets including community-based programs and outreach, internal staff education, proclamations from policymakers, social media campaigns and other media campaign.


The combined strength of injury and violence prevention (IVP) organizations across the country coming together on November 18th sends a solid unified message: it’s time for change and time to shine green to raise awareness about the burden of injuries and violence, the number one killers of people 1-44 years.


JPMA Cares joins the Injury Free Coalition for Kids® and other leading injury and violence prevention (IVP) organizations, such as, the Safe States Alliance (SSA), Safe Kids Worldwide, American Trauma Society (ATS), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Be SMART — a program of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR), Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA), I’m Safe, Giffords and Gun Owners for Safety -Giffords to empower and equip communities to make a difference. Access the full list of organizations signing onto the NIPD letter of support here.


The National Injury Prevention partners envision a nation free from injury and violence for all people. A nation that prioritizes everyone’s life and safety, no matter who they are, where they live, work, travel, and play. In addition to working to reduce the risk of injuries and violence through research-based policies and programs, NIPD calls on communities to foster resiliency and address inequities leading to injury and violence so that all people have safe and nurturing relationships, are connected to family, peers, and community, and have access to the basic resources necessary to thrive.


Barbara Barlow, MD, Professor Emerita of Surgery in Epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York, Founder and Executive Director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids® is firm in the belief that “It takes a village to create safer communities for all.” She knows that National Injury Prevention Day brings attention to the importance of working together to make communities safer for children and their families and is excited for the outcomes of the partnerships that have been evolved to focus on the shared goal of preventing injuries and violence.


NIPD celebrations will officially kick-off on Friday, November 17


Twitter/X Chat, 1 PM EST


At 1:00 p.m. EST, the public is invited to take part in a live national conversation about the country’s top injury and violence concerns on Twitter/X using the hashtag #BeInjuryFree.


On this evening, sites across the country will shine a green light at the burden of injuries and the need for prevention through scheduled lighting of iconic buildings, monuments and bridges in cities across America.  While, throughout the weekend, IVP professionals from coast to coast will lead activities and distribute injury prevention supplies in needy communities in an effort to create safer environments. To learn more about National Injury Prevention Day activities visit https://injuryfree.org/nationalinjurypreventionday/2023.


“National Injury Prevention Day provides an opportunity to shine a light on the impact of injuries and violence and the fact that most are indeed preventable. While we dedicate this particular day, it is critically important to promote injury and violence prevention 365 days a year,” Safe States Executive Director, Richard Hamburg adds.


For more information about National Injury Prevention Day or to arrange an interview in advance, please contact DiLenny Roca at dr146@columbia.edu.

Cribs for Kids, JPMA Cares, and Safe Kids Worldwide Launch Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program

March 6, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PA, March 6, 2025 -- Cribs for Kids is proud to partner with JPMA Cares and Safe Kids Worldwide to launch the Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program, a nationwide initiative designed to break down barriers to safe sleep education and resources. Made possible through a generous grant from JPMA Cares, this program will provide essential infant safe sleep products, education, and community outreach support to organizations across the U.S. "Tragically, each year in the United States, about 3,700 babies die from sleep-related deaths, and underserved communities are impacted disproportionately," said JPMA Cares Executive Director Lisa Trofe. "That's why JPMA Cares is committed to supporting the important work of Cribs for Kids. Through our strong partnership, we will ensure parents and caregivers have the knowledge and resources they need to make safe sleep decisions for babies and young children. Together, we will advance the vital work of keeping babies safe while they sleep." The Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program specifically targets Safe Kids Worldwide Coalition Members and other like-minded organizations that are committed to safe sleep but face challenges in expanding their efforts. By combining the strengths of JPMA Cares' Safe Sleep Campaign, Cribs for Kids' extensive administrative, supply chain, and outreach expertise, and the dedication of Safe Kids Coalition Members, this collaboration aims to maximize impact and reach families in need. "We are proud to partner with Cribs for Kids and JPMA Cares to provide lifesaving safe sleep education and resources to families across the country," said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. "We believe collaboration and partnership are the best ways to reduce the frequency of the heartbreaking loss of so many babies, and we are committed to working together to make sure that all babies, in all communities, sleep safely." The Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program will award 20 Safe Kids Coalition Members or their collaborative partners with safe sleep products and educational materials to meet the needs of 20 families. Each of the 20 awarded organizations will receive: 20 Safe Sleep Survival Kits , each containing: A Cribette play yard and sheet A Snoozzzette wearable blanket A Sleep Baby Safe & Snug board book A pacifier Safe sleep education materials, including a brochure and door hanger Community Outreach Support , including: A Cribs for Kids Education Package (50 brochures, 50 door hangers, 25 fliers, 5 posters, and 2 Safe Sleep Sammi/Sasha Toy Kits) Safe Sleep Building Blocks marketing materials for program promotion Applications for the Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program will be accepted from March 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025 . Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit https://www.cribsforkids.org/building-blocks/ for more information and application details. "We are excited to work alongside JPMA Cares and Safe Kids Worldwide to ensure that more families receive the education and resources they need to practice safe sleep," said Cribs for Kids Chief Executive Officer Judy Bannon. "Through this grant program, we are breaking down barriers and creating lasting change in communities nationwide." Together, Cribs for Kids, JPMA Cares, and Safe Kids Worldwide are committed to ensuring that all babies have a safe place to sleep. By equipping organizations with essential resources, we are building a future where every family has access to lifesaving safe sleep education and products. Note to Editors: Any imagery of sleeping infants accompanying this story must adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Recommendations. For examples of safe sleep imagery, visit our Safe Sleep Lifestyle Photo Album or review our Safe Sleep Photography Guidelines on the Cribs for Kids website. About Cribs for Kids Cribs for Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the risk of infant injury and death from suffocation and SIDS in unsafe sleep environments. Since 1998, Cribs for Kids has been making an impact on reducing the rate of infant sleep-related deaths by providing safe sleep education to the public, free community-based programming, and distributing portable cribs and other safe sleep products to families in need. Cribs for Kids operates through a network of partner organizations who replicate our programs and distribute safe sleep products in their communities. About JPMA Cares JPMA Cares is the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the broader baby and children's products industry. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, JPMA Cares aims to create better outcomes for infants and toddlers by reducing preventable injuries and deaths and providing families in need with donations of time, talent, and product. About Safe Kids Worldwide Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-19 and build sustainable systems that support injury prevention. Safe Kids works with strategic partners and an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the U.S. to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, sleep-related deaths, falls, burns, poisonings, and more. We achieve this work through a public health approach that includes research, interventions to educate and raise awareness, safety device distribution and advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels. Safe Kids also supports a worldwide alliance of like-minded organizations in more than 20 countries. Since 1988, Safe Kids and its partners have contributed to a more than 60 percent reduction in the rate of fatal childhood unintentional injury in the U.S. Learn more at safekids.org .

The Power of Three: Delta Children’s Legacy of Baby Safety

November 27, 2024
For the Shamie family, the safety and well-being of babies is more than a business—it’s a calling passed down through generations. Since its founding in 1968 by Louis Shamie Sr., Delta Children has become synonymous with safety and innovation in the juvenile products industry. Today, the next generation, led by his sons Joe and Sam Shamie, is carrying forward the family’s enduring commitment to creating safer products and giving back to the community. “The safety of children has been at the heart of our work for over five decades,” shares Joe Shamie, President of Delta Children. “We’ve seen how combining education, resources, and advocacy can create lasting change, which is why we’re passionate about supporting JPMA Cares and giving back.” As Delta Children prepares to pass its mission to the third generation, the Shamie family remains focused on fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility inspired by Louis Shamie Sr.’s original vision. “You have to give when you can,” reflects Joe Shamie. “By working together, we can provide families with the tools they need to make safer choices for their babies.” This GivingTuesday, he offers a clear call to action: “We need others in the industry to join us. Every contribution—whether it’s donating products, funds, or spreading awareness—makes a difference. Together, we can create a safer world for every child.” With champions like the Shamie family leading the way, the vision of a safer tomorrow is within reach—one crib, one family, and one life at a time. To learn more or contribute to JPMA Cares’ Safe Sleep Campaign, visit jpmacares.org .

For GivingTuesday, JPMA Cares Aims to Raise $20K to Help Babies Sleep Safely

November 19, 2024
MT. LAUREL, N.J., Nov. 19, 2024 -- As the annual GivingTuesday celebration nears, JPMA Cares —the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)—aims to unleash the power of people and organizations to form a future where babies no longer die from preventable deaths. The nonprofit organization has a goal to raise $20,000 for its Safe Sleep Campaign by the end of GivingTuesday on December 3, 2024. In a testament to shared belief and unwavering commitment, three former chief staff executives of JPMA have pledged to match the donations three to one for a total potential match of $60,000. Collectively, they are calling this "The Power of Three" pledge. Their generosity exemplifies leadership rooted in compassion, and their hope is to inspire others to do the same. "We've made significant strides in baby safety over the years, yet challenges remain," shared Bill MacMillan, CAE, former JPMA Executive Director, and current JPMA Cares Board Member. "I believe in this mission, and contributing to ensure safe sleep for infants feels like the most meaningful way to give back."  Bob Waller, Jr., CAE, former Executive Director for JPMA, current President & CEO of Association Headquarters (JPMA's management company for the past 46 years), and current JPMA Cares Board Member, added, "I want our safe sleep efforts to reach even more families as we build toward greater impact. I'm also a father and soon-to-be grandfather and feel personally called to support this cause." "Safe sleep for infants is a pressing concern in our country," noted Mike Dwyer, CAE, former JPMA Executive Director, current Association Headquarters Chief Executive Relationship Officer, and current JPMA President. "Supporting families to ensure they have awareness of—and products for—safe sleep practices is critical." The support from MacMillan, Waller, and Dwyer demonstrates how belief in a mission can inspire actions that create lasting change and hope. This year, JPMA Cares has: Amplified safe sleep best practices to expectant and new parents through videos on hospital network television Provided crucial safety information cards to expectant parents and caregivers, promoting awareness and education to support safer choices Distributed baby products to families affected by recent natural disasters "In 2022 alone, about 3,700 babies died from sleep-related deaths in the U.S. With your donations helping us to achieve 'The Power of Three' pledge, JPMA Cares will be able to impact more families, in more communities, and save even more lives," said Lisa Trofe, CAE, who serves as the current Executive Director for JPMA and JPMA Cares. To donate to JPMA Cares' Safe Sleep Campaign for GivingTuesday, visit JPMA Cares' website . To learn more about baby safety and access an abundance of free, expert-approved baby safety resources, visit the Baby Safety University section of the JPMA Cares website and follow @JPMACaresParents on Facebook and Instagram . About JPMA Cares JPMA Cares is the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the broader baby and children's products industry. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, JPMA Cares aims to create better outcomes for infants and toddlers by reducing preventable injuries and deaths and providing families in need with donations of time, talent, and product.
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