Itasca, IL – New Lenox, IL, addressed the top safety concerns facing its community, and, in doing so, received designation as an International Safe Community from the National Safety Council. New Lenox is the second community in Illinois to receive this designation. Fewer than 200 communities worldwide have been recognized with this designation for their local safety efforts.
The committee who developed the safety plan represented local businesses, the fire protection district, park district, law enforcement, public health organizations and schools, among others. The completed plan, which details safety programs to address New Lenox injury data, was then certified by the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Center for Community Safety Promotion.
“Protecting our community and the businesses and residents who reside here is critical to making New Lenox a great place to live, work and play. This designation demonstrates our collective commitment to safety and injury prevention,” said Dan Martin of the New Lenox Police Department who oversaw the initiative for New Lenox.
The International Safe Community designation is awarded based on six indicators:
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A cross-sectional partnership responsible for the promotion of community safety
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Long-term sustainable programs for all genders, ages, environments and situations
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Programs targeting high-risk groups and environments
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Programs documenting the frequency and causes of injuries
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Evaluation measures to assess programs and the effects of change
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Ongoing participation in national and international Safe Communities networks
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“We have been very impressed with the way organizations and businesses in New Lenox are working together to protect residents. Because of this multifaceted effort, New Lenox is preventing injuries and saving lives,” National Safety Council President and CEO Janet Froetscher said.
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The designation ceremony was conducted by the NSC Safe Communities America Certifying Center. The National Safety Council served as a mentor to provide support to New Lenox throughout the application process as an Affiliate Safe Communities America Support Center. For more information, please visit www.safecommunitiesamerica.org.
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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.