Itasca, IL – On Aug. 21, the National Safety Council will welcome Lycoming County, PA, into the International Safe Community network for addressing the leading safety concerns facing its residents and business owners. Lycoming County is the tenth community in the United States and the first in Pennsylvania to become an International Safe Community. Fewer than 225 communities worldwide have been recognized with this designation.
Representatives from local businesses, the fire protection district, park district, law enforcement, public health organizations and schools, among others, came together to develop the safety plan. The completed plan, which details safety programs to address Lycoming County injury data, was then certified by the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Center for Community Safety Promotion.
“Protecting our community, its businesses and its residents is critical to making Lycoming County a great place to live, work and play. This designation demonstrates our collective commitment to safety and injury prevention,” said Tana G. DeWire, executive director, Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition.
The International Safe Community designation is awarded based on six criteria:
- A cross-sectional partnership responsible for the promotion of community safety
- Long-term sustainable programs for all genders, ages, environments and situations
- Programs targeting high-risk groups and environments
- Programs documenting the frequency and causes of injuries
- Evaluation measures to assess programs and the effects of change
- Ongoing participation in national and international Safe Communities networks
“We have been very impressed with the way organizations and businesses in Lycoming County are working together to protect residents. As a result of this multifaceted effort, Lycoming County is preventing injuries and saving lives,” National Safety Council President and CEO Janet Froetscher said.
The designation process was overseen by the Safe Communities Canada Certifying Center. The National Safety Council served as a mentor to support Lycoming County throughout the application process as an Affiliate Safe Communities America Support Center. For more information, please visit www.safecommunitiesamerica.org.
The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.