Florida Weekly Dec. 25, 2013
Moser's column this week highlights the recent awards by the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition. Kudos to all the award winners.
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| Dan Moser |
Lee
County residents and visitors are fortunate in that there are many
collaborative and ongoing efforts aimed at making our communities better
places to live and visit. One that focuses on a number of different
aspects of safety, from falls prevention to traffic crash reduction, is
the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition. Each year, the IPC
recognizes individuals, groups and organizations that go above and
beyond in their efforts. Congratulations to all 2013 winners.
Lifetime Achievement: David Kainrad
The IPC appreciates all of its members and partners, however some
seem exceptionally committed to the mission and vision of a cause. David
Kainrad is such an individual. Twenty years ago, prior to IPC’s
existence, Mr. Kainrad was instrumental in organizing Lee County’s
initial community needs assessment. He worked to bring the right players
to the table to discuss health and safety issues of the time. It was
confirmed that preventable injuries were our county’s leading cause of
injuries and death; from that recognition the IPC was created. While Mr.
Kainrad spent time leading this coalition, he more often worked from
behind the scenes, providing direction, insight and recommendations to
the organization. ppSca When the economy collapsed, taking prevention
efforts, positions and entire programs with it, it was Lee County Public
Safety and Mr. Kainrad who ensured the community continued to receive
outreach and prevention education. Mr. Kainrad’s efforts have most
certainly saved lives, the IPC’s ultimate goal. Lee County continues to
be a leader and model for the state in injury prevention outreach and
education thanks to him.
Organization: Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Among other accomplishments, Complete Streets was first introduced
and supported in Southwest Florida via the MPO. Most recently the staff
produced an updated bicycle map for the public and was the organization
behind the creation and adoption of our first Bike/Ped Safety Action
Plan. Along with its members and partners, the MPO has been the primary
force in identifying and improving the transportation environment for
all users. The MPO’s successful application and award of a highly
competitive grant for more than $10 million that will enhance and
improve services for thousands of road and path users was a major
achievement this year.
Media Partner: Florida Weekly
Florida Weekly has supported multiple prevention efforts throughout
the year. It keeps bike/ped matters, senior fall prevention, unsafe
driving elimination and other topics important to the IPC on the
public’s radar through regular articles and special features. The
devotion of space for my biweekly column is another way the newspaper
helps promote the IPC’s mission. With so many competing issues to cover
it’s difficult for any media outlet to deliver all of the messages it
finds important so Florida Weekly deserves recognition for consistently
reporting on and supporting many of IPC’s community health and safety
initiatives.
Program/Outreach Effort: HealthyLee
HealthyLee is a community initiative working toward a healthier Lee
County. It’s an effort focused on promoting health and wellness,
workplace wellness, chronic disease prevention and behavioral health
opportunities. HealthyLee’s slogan “Choose, Commit, Change” summarizes
the objectives of the initiative: that we have the ability to change
ourselves by adopting a better diet, participating in healthy activities
and eliminating harmful lifestyle habits. HealthyLee has successfully
collaborated with Lee Memorial Hospital, the Lee County Health
Department and the greater business community to promote these concepts
and successfully implement Lee County’s first “Streets Alive!” event.
Sponsor/Partner: Abby Services
This home-health agency is an excellent example of how to meld
running a successful business with community service. Not only did Abby
Services receive a flawless report from Agency of Health Care
Administration, but it also is a leader in a number of community health
and safety initiatives. The company partners with the Lee County
Sheriff’s Office to deliver the “Car Fit” program, which helps seniors
be safer drivers on the road; host home health job fairs; and organize
community health fairs. All of these programs have helped make our
community safer and healthier.
Citizen Volunteer: Reggie McKinnon
Mr. McKinnon consistently participates in health fairs and safety
events, volunteering his time and relaying his story to help make sure
other families don’t have to experience the tragedy of hyperthermia. It
takes a very strong person to relive a nightmare especially in front of
strangers. However, his story, while tragic, is an extremely important
one for people to hear. Mr. McKinnon has been doing an amazing job
helping the community realize how easily these tragedies can occur.
Professional: Susan Lindenmuth
Ms. Lindenmuth has been a consistent health and safety resource and
she has played a pivotal role in making Estero Fire and Rescue a
prevention leader in Lee County. If Ms. Lindenmuth isn’t out with Ember
(the firehouse’s Dalmatian) educating the children in the community,
she’s distributing smoke detectors, car seats, bike helmets, and hosting
AED, basic life support and first aid classes. ¦
Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and trails.
—
Dan Moser is CyclingSavvy instructor/ trainer and program director for
Florida Bicycle Association who cycles, runs and walks regularly for
transportation.
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