Smith receives Champion of Children Award

March 1, 2006

Gary Smith, MD, director, Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) at Columbus Children's Hospital has received the 2006 Champion of Children Award. Nominated by members of the community, Dr. Smith is recognized for making a deep, far-reaching impact on the lives of children.

Under Dr. Smith's direction, CIRP works at local, state, national, and international levels to reduce death and disability caused by injury. The center is achieving this goal through research, education, advocacy, and advances in clinical care. In addition to improving the scientific understanding of injuries among children, the Center also provides education to medical and public health professionals, policy makers, and the public about the impact of injuries and how they can be prevented.

"Unintentional injuries are far and away the most common cause of death in children older than one year of age. Dr. Gary Smith and his outstanding research team in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at CCRI have orchestrated a wholesale, evidence-based attack on the various preventable causes of injury and death in children. No other research group in our organization has more immediate potential to save children's lives and to prevent pain and suffering. Gary Smith is indeed a 'Champion for Children,'" said John Barnard, MD, president of Columbus Children's Research Institute.

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Nichole Hodges, MPH, CHES
Injury Free Coalition for Kids (IFCK) Program Coordinator
Center for Injury Research and Policy
Columbus Children's Research Institute
(614) 355-2771 (phone)
(614) 722-2448 (fax)
HodgesN@ccri.net