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2009 ThinkFirst Conference on Injury Prevention Conference Highlights

Voices for Injury Prevention

ThinkFirst San Diego CA, VIPs, Tim Boice(left) and Franky Guerrero(far right) with San Diego Padres star pitcher Trevor Hoffman(middle)

The success of the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention program lies in its most powerful prevention and education strategy: the individuals known as Voices for Injury Prevention (VIPs). VIPs are individuals that have sustained a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury and share their personal testimony with students and community members to encourage practicing safety habits that may prevent a life changing injury.

ThinkFirst KS, VIP, Joe Rhea

ThinkFirst currently has VIP's serving communities from Anchorage to Atlanta. Although devastated by traumatic injuries, they find an opportunity for meaningful work that transforms their lives from cautionary tales into inspiring stories of courage. The positive impact on the lives of VIP's can be measured in various ways - pride shown as he/she becomes independent, a powerful force in the community, and in many cases advocates for disability awareness. Teachers and students confirm that the maximum impact and behavior change occurs when the audiences are able to relate to the VIP. Meeting this need demands the ThinkFirst program possess a diverse staff of young and energetic individuals representing different communities, ethnicities and causes of injury.

Outside of the ThinkFirst programs, the VIPs operate in many other functions. They serve as mentors to newly disabled individuals, research projects, distribute and collect pre and post-tests for data analysis, and obtain administrative, clerical and public speaking skills. Whether convincing a child to wear a helmet, empowering a teenager to buckle a seatbelt, or offering hope and meaning to an individual with a brain or spinal cord injury, ThinkFirst VIPs help to achieve the program goals while changing and improving lives.

How to join ThinkFirst:

We are looking for people who have sustained a SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) to work as speakers with a ThinkFirst Chapter.

ThinkFirst VIPs:

Are responsible.
Are able to openly discuss their lives and many aspects of their disability with others.
Are young adults if possible so that teens can better identify with them.
Have reliable transportation.
Have a flexible schedule.

If you should know anyone who meets all or most of this criteria, Please contact your local ThinkFirst Office.