Shriners Hospitals for Children and NASCAR Driver David Ragan Join Forces to Reduce the Risks of Childhood Injuries

TAMPA, Fla., June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick off National Safety Month, Shriners Hospitals for Children^® joins forces with NASCAR driver, Shriner and Love to the rescue^® Ambassador, David Ragan to help reduce childhood injuries this summer. The On Track for a Safe Summer campaign will combine public service announcements, community outreach and other activities throughout the summer to help parents reduce the risks of injuries.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7542751-shriners-hospitals-nascar-david-ragan/

Known as "trauma season" among public health and medical professionals, summer is a time when serious injuries and unintentional deaths increase dramatically among children.* Statistics show that 40% of all injury-related emergency room visits and 42% of all injury-related deaths among children happen between the months of May and August. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented with a few simple precautions.

"I know a fun-filled summer day can turn into tragedy within seconds when an accident occurs," said Ragan. "Shriners Hospitals and I want to provide families with simple ways to reduce the risk of childhood injuries so kids can enjoy a safe summer."

As experts in the treatment of pediatric orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and burns, Shriners Hospitals for Children provides critical, surgical and rehabilitative care to children, regardless of the families' ability to pay. Shriners Hospitals for Children urges parents and caregivers to remind kids of these simple precautions to keep them injury-free this summer:

• Swing sitting down.
• Slide feet first, one child at a time.
• Do not push or shove others on the playground.
• Always swim with an adult or a friend.
• Wear a life jacket when near the water.
• Never play on or around lawn mowers.
• Do not play around fire pits, campfires or grills.

"Sustaining a serious injury can be a life-altering event for a child," said Dale Stauss, chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children. "We see patients every day with injuries caused by accidents, and we are committed to raising awareness about how to stay safe this summer. Working with David Ragan to keep kids on track for a safe summer is just another way we send Love to the rescue."

Shriners Hospitals for Children wants all kids to enjoy a safe, injury-free summer. For additional safety tips, flyers and activity pages for children, visit ShrinersHospitalsforChildren.org/SafeSummer.

Should an injury occur, the physicians and staff of Shriners Hospitals can help. To find out more about the treatments available, visit ShrinersHospitalsforChildren.org. To make an appointment, please call 800-237-5055.

*Safe Kids U.S. Summer Ranking Report, May 2007

About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Learn more at ShrinersHospitalsforChildren.org.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

About David Ragan
David Ragan began racing in the Bandolero Series at 12 years old, winning numerous races and repeating as national champion. As soon as he turned 18, David made his first foray in NASCAR. His hard work and preparation paid off, earning two wins in the Nationwide Series and earning a seat in NASCAR's premier series on the Sprint Cup circuit. Now a nine-year Sprint Cup veteran, Ragan has two Cup wins under his belt, including a come-from-behind win at Talladega Superspeedway in May 2013, the first team win ever for Front Row Motorsports.

In addition to Ragan's racing achievements, he is a Shriner and loyal supporter of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Since naming the pediatric health care system his official charity of choice in 2008, he has used his popularity to increase awareness and raise funds for the organization.

Contact: Misti Dragano 
Email: [email protected]  
Phone: 410-263-5312

SOURCE Shriners Hospitals for Children