Natalie Jemez, DNP, a pediatric nurse practitioner, works for a community-based health center. After hearing about the death of a 12-year-old boy who suffered head trauma at the local skateboard park, Natalie and her colleagues at the community center decided to initiate an injury reduction program targeting local youth and their families. Specifically, they were interested in raising awareness regarding traumatic brain injury and providing a mechanism to increase helmet use among children skateboarding and riding bicycles at the city park. Natalie wrote a grant in partnership with the local school district to secure state funds for a 3-year project that would achieve the following four goals: (1) development of informational brochures to be mailed to the families of children attending the local schools, (2) development of an age-appropriate information video "Helmet Heads" to be shown to children within the school system, (3) providing a mechanism for parents to purchase helmets at a significant discount from a local retailer, and (4) purchasing a large number of helmets for free use (by checking the helmets out at the local park service center) while children and their families are at the park.

Natalie was awarded grant funding for a 3-year project. As the program was implemented, other community stakeholders (including the local hospital, the orthopedic physician group, and the neurosurgeon physician group) became interested and provided additional funds to purchase additional protective equipment and to track data regarding use of equipment and number and types of reported injuries.

Case Analysis

This case is an example of a community-based health promotion project targeting a specific focus and population group. Traumatic injuries are among the most common cause of death and disability in children. Helmets can reduce head injury associated with bicycle accidents as much as 85%, but they are effective only if children wear them. Two significant barriers include lack of education and access to properly fitting helmets. The project specifically included education for parents and children and access to helmets to address these known barriers. Natalie's plan also illustrates the benefit of collaborating with multiple community stakeholders (school system, hospital, and physician groups) to gain widespread support.

How are the attributes  of the concept of health promotion is evident in that case?