Each year, more than nine million children go to emergency departments for unintentional injury according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Eastern New Mexico was faced with a series of accidental deaths and accidents resulting in severe injuries to youth. In response, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service created Safety Days in 2000 to reduce injuries to children.
Safety Days are held for all third graders across the eleven counties of Eastern New Mexico. These one-day events teach children safety lessons for use at home, on a farm, or ranch. Activities include how and when to make 911 calls for help; how to be safe around household chemicals, electricity, water, farm equipment and lawnmowers; and learn first aid. In 2016, Safety Days reached more than 5,000 students and teachers annually in the 11 eastern counties.
NIFA supports the program through the Smith Lever Act.
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