Think First Pediatric Neurology

Injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults -- not cancer, not AIDS, not birth defects. The number one killer of young people is traumatic injury caused by:

• Vehicle crashes
• Violence
• Falls
• Sports
• Other preventable reasons

The most serious injuries are those to the brain and spinal cord. More than 22,000 children under the age of 20 lose their lives to brain and spinal cord injuries each year. Those who survive may be left with permanent paralysis and disabling brain injuries. The only"cure" is prevention - and that's the focus of Beaumont's ThinkFirst Program. 

The Beaumont chapter of Think First is a collaborative effort by health care professionals aimed at preventing and reducing brain and spine injuries. The program uses public education and prevention awareness activities for all ages, with special focus on children, teens and the elderly. We work in collaboration with ThinkFirst Michigan and the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation. The mission of the National ThinkFirst Injury Prevention Foundation is to prevent brain, spinal cord and other traumatic injuries through the education of individuals, community leaders and the creators of public policy. 

Beaumont offers a wide range of injury prevention services that include:

Think First for Kids

A third grade classroom education program taught in coordination with school and teacher. For more information, please contact Lori Sheridan at:lori.sheridan@beaumont.edu

Safety on Wheels

A comprehensive program to encourage helmet use and recreation safety. For more information, please contact Kathy Hamilton at:khamilton@beaumonthospitals.com

Safety City U.S.A.

An injury and prevention safety center located at Northwood Shopping Center in Royal Oak.

Falls Prevention for older adults

For more information, please contact Christine Nielson at:cnielsen@beaumonthospitals.com

Stroke Prevention programs

Educating the community on recognition of stroke symptoms for early detection and promoting a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise to reduce the risk of stroke. For more information, please contact Barb Coslow at:bcoslow@beaumonthospitals.com

Other Beaumont community service programs are also available.