About the Injury Prevention Network
The web-based Injury Prevention Network was born out of a perceived need by California injury prevention professionals for ongoing strong statewide leadership in the field. Though California has been looked to as a leader in injury control programs and policy, injury prevention continues to be a secondary focus of public health prevention efforts and is generally under funded. To continue making strides in the field, there is a need to support the transfer of leadership skills, core competencies, and advocacy approaches to emerging future leaders. A statewide survey of injury prevention professionals showed wide support for the concept of a network. An informal group of leaders, coming together at the annual state conference, became the planning group. The San Francisco Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Injury Center obtained a state grant to start the network. With input from surveys and conference calls, we found that sharing resources and networking were as important as leadership development. The website includes a program description, resources, and listings of events and jobs and funding possibilities. A members-only section contains discussion boards regarding common injury mechanisms and on skill or policy areas, and contact information. Thus, members can participate in a semi-public discussion or contact each other directly. The network is in touch with several hundred professionals and expects to serve at least 50 professionals actively in the first year.