LAC DU flambeau injury prevention program TIPCAP, part I - the LAC DU flambeau band of lake superior chippewa indians is applying for part I of the indian health service tribal injury prevention…

The Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service awarded a $150,000 Cooperative Agreement to the Lac DU Flambeau Band Of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians on January 1, 2026, under the Injury Prevention Program for American Indians and Alaskan Natives (CFDA 93.284) to support a full-time injury prevention coordinator position and implement a culturally grounded, evidence-based injury prevention program.

The recipient will execute four integrated prevention strategies addressing occupant restraint, child passenger safety, pedestrian safety, and elder fall prevention within the Lac DU Flambeau community in Wisconsin. For occupant restraint and child passenger safety, the program will partner with tribal law enforcement to enhance seatbelt and car seat enforcement, conduct parent and caregiver education workshops, distribute car seats, and execute community-wide safety campaigns. The pedestrian safety component includes crosswalk visibility improvements, behavioral promotion, and driver awareness initiatives. The elder fall prevention initiative incorporates home safety assessments and minor modifications, balance and mobility training classes, and strength education. Community assessment data documented low seatbelt and child safety seat usage rates and an average of 121 motor vehicle incident calls annually over the preceding four years, establishing the need for this intervention.

The cooperative agreement runs through December 31, 2030, with performance in Wisconsin. The program targets measurable increases in seatbelt and child safety seat usage, improved pedestrian safety behaviors, and reduced elder fall incidents within the tribal community.

LAC DU flambeau injury prevention program TIPCAP, part I - the LAC DU flambeau band of lake superior chippewa indians is applying for part I of the indian health service tribal injury prevention cooperative agreement program (TIPCAP) to support a full-time injury prevention coordinator. This initiative aims to implement a culturally grounded, evidence-based program to increase occupant restraint use, promote child passenger safety, improve pedestrian safety, and reduce elder fall-related incidents. Data from the LAC DU flambeau police department show an average of 121 motor vehicle incident calls annually over the past four years. A community assessment also revealed low seatbelt and child safety seat usage rates, demonstrating a continued need for prevention and education. Program strategies: • occupant restraint: partner with tribal law enforcement to access seatbelt and car seat use, enhance enforcement, and provide education at community events. • child passenger safety: offer parent and caregiver education through workshops and events, distribute car seats, and promote safety through a community-wide campaigns. • pedestrian safety: improve crosswalk visibility, promote pedestrian safety behaviors, and increase driver awareness. • elder fall prevention: integrate an elder fall safety initiative. Conduct home assessments and minor modifications. Include education, balance, mobility and strength training classes. The project will lead to measurable increases in seatbelt and child safety seat usage, improved pedestrian safety, and a reduction in elder fall incidents within the LAC DU flambeau community.