SAFE KIDS of Georgia in Dawson County is a local coalition that is dedicated to fighting the number one killer of children - unintentional injuries. Dawson County is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign in Washington, D.C., and a part of SAFE KIDS of Georgia.

The focus of the Dawson County Coalition is the top six preventable killers of children under the age of 14.

1. Motor Vehicle Crashes (Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety)

2. Drowning

3. Fire/Burns

4. Poisoning/Choking

5. Falls

6. Unintentional Shootings

SAFE KIDS of Georgia in Dawson County is able to educate and protect our community from these dangers, by distributing child safety equipment to families in need, implementing safety programs, teaching safety to school children, and teaching safety to parent groups.

The Dawson County Coalition was formed in June of 2000, (The Lead Agency is the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office) and is supported by a dedicated group to include, Law Enforcement, EMT’s, Firefighters, Nurses, Teachers, Principals, Business Leaders, The American Red Cross, The Health Department, Insurance Companies, The Chamber of Commerce, and other community members concerned about the safety of children. 

SAFE KIDS of Georgia in Dawson County is a non-profit organization and depends on the support of the local community for financial needs, and dedicated volunteers to maintain a successful coalition.

History of SAFE KIDS of Georgia

In 1988, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign was founded by the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The Campaign initially selected ten target cities to develop coalitions with Atlanta being one of the ten cities. Georgia was named as the only state coalition at that time.

SAFE KIDS of Georgia had its inaugural meeting in May of 1988 at which time then-Governor Joe Frank Harris proclaimed May 16-22 as SAFE KIDS Week in Georgia. The program committee structure was formed consisting of 49 organizations and agencies with one common bond--preventing childhood injuries.

The initial lead agencies were the Governor’s Commission on Children and Youth and the Council for Children. In 1990, SAFE KIDS of Georgia became incorporated and elected its board of directors. Also in 1990, Egleston Children’s Hospital became the lead agency for SAFE KIDS of Georgia.

Coalitions have been influenced as “a union of people and organizations working to influence outcomes on a specific problem.” SAFE KIDS coalitions exemplify this definition.

The specific problem SAFE KIDS focuses on is unintentional childhood injury. The union of people and organizations range from health departments, law enforcement, nurses, doctors, teachers, principals, fire fighters, EMT’s, business leaders, politicians to other community members concerned about the safety of children.

A coalition is a way for each group to bring their strengths together to form a unified and more powerful group to spread the injury prevention message. Being a part of SAFE KIDS benefits each member of the group by making resources available to everyone.

Coalitions also offer public awareness for each group involved. Since SAFE KIDS is a partnership, all groups involved receive recognition for involvement.