Framework for the Rhode Island response to the injury problem.

Injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in Rhode Island as well as the US and are responsible for the greatest amount of premature death. Recent years have brought more national attention to the role of public health in injury prevention. The Rhode Island Department of Health has been involved in a variety of injury control research, programs and legislation. In 1989, the Injury Prevention Program was funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control to coordinate and implement injury control programs in the Department. Injury prevention priorities are set on the basis of mortality and morbidity data. An analysis of Rhode Island death certificate data from 1979 to 1988 reveals that motor vehicle crashes, suicides, falls, and homicides are the leading causes of injury deaths. Age patterns vary for each cause, but males predominate in all categories of injury deaths. Activities to reduce injuries are underway or planned. Physicians will play key roles in this effort.