Programs at Kootenai Health

Our commitment to injury prevention for people of all ages is an integral part of our commitment to the community. 
 
Part of Kootenai Health’s trauma designation is a commitment to building awareness and preventing the most common injuries reported in our region. Here are details on our current injury prevention programs for people of all ages.

Safe Sleep – All new parents are provided education on safe sleep practices before leaving the hospital to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Additionally, all babies born at Kootenai Health are provided a sleep sack to take home for continued safe sleep practices. For more safe sleep resources, visit safestartnw.org.
 
Helmet Safety – We provide helmet safety education and helmet inspections during our regular school and community events. Injury Prevention works with the Kootenai Foundation to provide helmets to children in need. While there is no concussion-proof helmet, a bike helmet can help protect your child or teen from a serious brain or head injury. Come to one of our many helmet safety events or find more resources on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury.  
 
Water Safety – We work with the local Kootenai County Sheriff’s department to provide hundreds of loaner life jackets at regional boat launches along with safety education for children. Reach out to the following groups for more information about their water safety programs:

• Josh the Otter Water Safety Program for Preschoolers , call Injury Prevention at (208) 625-5722 to schedule.
• Aquatics – The Salvation Army Kroc Center – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (kroccda.org)
• Swimming Lessons in Coeur d’Alene | SafeSplash

Car Seat Safety – We provide regular car seat checks for the community. Make an appointment by calling (208) 625-4642.

Fall Prevention –

Bingocize® workshop is 10 weeks in duration. Sessions take place twice weekly on non-consecutive days. During each session, exercise and fall prevention education is combined with the game of bingo. Sessions are 45 to 60 minutes long, with an approximate total of 30 of those minutes dedicated to exercise.  The expected outcome at the end of the workshop is that Bingocizers with regular attendance will demonstrate improvements in strength and balance which should translate to a reduction in falls, as well as help older adults live better, longer and independently. This program can help older adults at senior centers, assisted living and independent living facilities.

Contact Injury Prevention at (208) 625-5722 if you would like to arrange a workshop for your group and venue.

Stop the Bleed– Contact Injury Prevention (208) 625-5722 to arrange a free class for groups, schools and businesses.

Update to 2023 class dates:

• January 4
• February 1
• March 1
• April 5
• May 3
• June 7
• July 12
• August 2
• September 6
• October 4
• November 1
• December 6

Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention

In partnership with Training, Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS), Kootenai Health is offering free one-hour classes to the general public to promote safe and responsible driving on Idaho roadways, Just Drive: Take Action Against Distraction. Contact Injury Prevention (208) 625-5722 to schedule a TREDS education.

Coming soon… Impaired Driving Education for Adults -and- Impaired Driving Education for Teens

Resources:

• Parent-Athlete Concussion Sheet.pdf
• CDC HeadsUp Helmet Safety 
• Fit & Fall Proof Exercise Classes – Panhandle Health District
• Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults 
• Exercise, Fitness and Workout Tips and Advice (aarp.org)
• Car and Booster Seats Safety
• Buckle Up: Restraint Use Idaho (cdc.gov)

If you have questions about injury prevention, please call (208) 625-5722.