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Pam Hoogerwerf is a remarkable individual whose contributions to pediatric injury prevention and safety have had a profound and lasting impact on her community, the hospital, and the state of Iowa. She has developed invaluable programs where she has educated thousands of children and families on various injury prevention topics: car passenger safety, bike safety, lawnmower injuries and many more. Pam’s enthusiasm and commitment to childhood injury prevention is the reason SFCH is an Injury Free Coalition for Kids site.
One of Pam’s very first endeavors was the implementation of the Safety Store which has served as a model for other institutions interested in launching their own safety store. She also serves on the Children’s Hospital Association Safety Store Advisory Team where she shares her expertise and insights with other hospital programs. Pam established a safe sleep program that has expanded into the Statewide Safe Sleep Task force. She was instrumental in launching and leading several other injury prevention task forces including the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Task Force, the Firearm Safety Task Force, and the Lawnmower Safety Task Force, each focusing on educating the public and advocating for safety changes in their respective areas. Pam’s leadership has been key to the success of these groups, each of which has made significant strides in raising awareness and reducing preventable injuries in Iowa.
Pam has also been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability of SFCH’s injury prevention programs. She works tirelessly to secure grant funding for both existing programs and new initiatives, including substantial grants from organizations like Kohl’s Cares for Kids, Children’s Miracle Network, and Grinnell Mutual Insurance. Her ability to build lasting relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners has been critical in maintaining and expanding SFCH’s injury prevention efforts.
In addition to her programmatic work, Pam has been an active pediatric injury prevention researcher. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributed to studies focused on improving safety practices and reducing pediatric injuries. Pam regularly presents her findings at national, regional, and local conferences, sharing insights on the programs she has led and the research she’s been involved with. Her research continues to influence policy and practice in the field of pediatric injury prevention.
Pam’s legacy is defined by her ability to transform ideas into action, build effective programs from the ground up, and lead with a vision that serves both the immediate needs of her community and the long-term goals of injury prevention. She has educated thousands of children, forged invaluable partnerships, and advanced the work of injury prevention through tireless advocacy, all while serving as an exemplary leader, mentor, and friend.
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