Every community has its own unique personality, its own rhythm and vibrancy and its own unique challenges. The injury patterns and problems are also unique to each community. However, by determining which ones are most impacting your community, and designing injury prevention programs specific to your community, you can make a difference.
Your community may already have individuals, groups, and organizations who have committed their time and resources to make your community safer. Working together, in partnership, communities can reduce disabling injuries and save lives. It all starts with a commitment to making safety a priority for your community. Let Safe Communities America help you become a Safe Community.
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The Safe Communities designation is awarded to communities that have demonstrated leadership in promoting safety, reducing injuries, and preparing their citizens for natural and man-made disasters. Communities seeking international designation must meet the following seven indicators established by the WHO Collaborating Center on Community Safety Promotion and the Safe Communities program:
1. Demonstrate leadership based on partnership and collaborations with all community sectors that are responsible for safety promotion in their community
2. Long-term, sustainable programs covering both genders and all ages, environments, situations, and includes preparing their citizens for emergencies and disasters
3. Programs that target high-risk groups and environments, and programs that promote safety for vulnerable groups
4. Programs that are based on the available evidence.
5. Collect data on number and causes of injuries
6. Evaluate their programs, processes and the effects of change
7. Participate in national and international Safe Communities networks
- The letter of intent shall be addressed to WHO CCCSP (email moa.sundstrom@ki.se) with a copy sent to the office of the Certifying Center as well. This letter must be signed by the Mayor (or similar function). The letter must contain the following information: Name of community, Contact persons (name, title, address, email, phone number), and for billing purposes, Invoice address and organization number/ tax number. The letter should be sent at least 6 months before the planned designation.
- You will be billed by Safe Communities America when we receive your Letter of Intent.
- Your written application describes your community and highlights how your community meets the seven Safe Communities program indicators. All applications must follow international guidelines. View International Guidelines for Safe Communities designation.
Once you are finished, send your completed application to .
If you are sending your Letter of Intent, please download and review the international Safe Communities designation fee schedule for the North America Certifying Center.
After reviewing your application, a Certifying Center site reviewer will schedule a site visit. The site visit is an opportunity to highlight your community and its safety promotion and injury prevention programs.
Celebrate Your Success! The Safe Communities Designation brings international recognition to your community’s safety and injury prevention efforts. A Safe Communities representative will be present to award your community this honor.
- Annual Reports
Communities that are part of the Safe Communities America Network will be required to submit an Annual Report. Directions for the Annual Report will be communicated to members of the Safe Communities America Network. Communities will also be required to update their existing web pages, housed on the CCCSP server at Karolinska Institutet, on an annual basis.
- After Five Years— the Re-designation Process
Communities are now required to submit applications for re-designation five years after their entry to the network. A Safe Communities America representative will provide additional information.