North Carolina SAFE KIDS is a group of 47 coalitions or chapters that are located throughout the state. During January and February of 2005, the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center worked with North Carolina SAFE KIDS staff to develop and administer a Web-based survey to these chapters and coalitions. The survey and results can be downloaded at right. All of these organizations are run by coordinators. The descriptions of the organizations can be downloaded by using the button indicated on the right. Their efforts and the people who comprise these organizations are summarized below.

The survey results indicate that SAFE KIDS coalitions and chapters have grown in number and expertise since the 2000 report. Counties are beginning to address additional areas of injury. The SAFE KIDS county coordinators come from a variety of organizations and career paths. Most coordinators are based at hospitals, but organizations such as fire departments, non-profit organizations, EMS/medical rescue units, and county/local health departments also serve as home bases for coordinators.

For almost half of the coordinators, SAFE KIDS activities constituted a major part of job responsibilities. Moreover, the coordinators have significant experience in injury prevention; almost three quarters have been involved with SAFE KIDS two years or longer and nearly a little more than half of these came from injury prevention programs prior to SAFE KIDS. More than three quarters have attended an annual SAFE KIDS meeting in the past two years.

Many organizations participate in SAFE KIDS coalitions and chapters. While nearly all of these organizations provide volunteers, others contribute full or part-time staff, consultation, and facilities or supplies. With regard to financial support, more than a third of the coalitions or chapters reported contributions from hospitals, a little more than a quarter from insurance companies, just under a quarter from community organizations, and another quarter from fire departments, and EMS or medical rescue services.

During 2004, 42 out of the 46 responding coalitions/chapters sponsored or hosted at least one program and more than 200 programs were hosted. While there is no reliable way to document the number of people who attend activities, coalitions/chapters indicated that more than 2000 people participated in some type of SAFE KIDS program during the year.

It is appropriate to summarize the work of the coalitions/chapters with a quote from one of the local coordinators: "…We need to continue to collaborate and coordinate the efforts of the people that are so dedicated to our young people. I feel that this information can help with the awareness of what we have to offer our community, state, and [Nation.]"