[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1185-E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          SAFE KIDS AND OREGON

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIZABETH FURSE

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the work that 
Oregon First Lady Sharon Kitzhaber is doing in my home State to protect 
our children from preventable injuries. Getting children involved in 
their own safety is something that makes good sense, 
[[Page E1186]] particularly because it prevents untold human suffering 
and millions of health care dollars. We cannot wait to take action; 
unintentional injuries are the No. 1 killer of children under age 14.
  Sharon Kitzhaber is to be commended for her work with the National 
Safe Kids campaign. Safe Kids is all about getting children buckled up 
or getting bike helmets on their heads. Oregon's First Lady has been 
working to spread the word throughout the State that by working 
together, we can save lives and money. In fact, according the National 
Safe Kids campaign, every dollar spent on prevention saves up to $70. 
In terms of injuries, for example, universal bike helmet use by 
children ages 4 to 15 would prevent 45,000 head inquires a year.
  I join with National Safe Kids to protest recent attempts in Congress 
to eliminate funding for the National Center for Injury Prevention and 
Control [NCIPC]. NCIPC has been instrumental in highlighting the 
important role that prevention can play in saving money and lives in 
America. In fact, NCIPC is the lead Federal agency for the prevention 
of injuries outside the workplace and has developed an impressive 
partnership with private and public institutions to carry out their 
vital mission.
  I pay special tribute to the efforts of Oregon's First Lady, Sharon 
Kitzhaber, and urge all my colleagues to get involved in the National 
Safe Kids campaign.


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