Injury and violence are leading causes of death and disability across Mississippi. Our Injury and Violence Prevention initiatives address the root causes of trauma and promote safe, healthy environments for all Mississippians.
Explore our key programs below:
Injury Prevention
Transportation Safety
Motor vehicle crashes remain a top cause of injury and death in Mississippi. Our transportation safety initiatives promote safe driving behaviors, child passenger safety, and seatbelt use through public campaigns, car seat check events, and partnerships with law enforcement and schools.
Occupant Protection
Occupant protection programs focus on increasing the proper use of seat belts and child restraints to reduce injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. MSDH supports community outreach, seat belt enforcement initiatives, and child passenger safety technician (CPST) training statewide.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Prevention
TBIs can result from falls, vehicle crashes, violence or sports injuries and have lasting effects on individuals and families. MSDH raises awareness, provides education, and supports injury prevention efforts aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of TBIs across the state.
Falls Prevention in Youth
Falls are a leading cause of injury among children and adolescents in Mississippi. Whether at home, school or during sports and recreation, youth of all ages are at risk for serious injury from falls. The Mississippi State Department of Health is committed to preventing fall-related injuries through education, environmental safety, and community partnerships.
Falls can result in:
- Fractures, sprains, or concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Missed school days and long-term health impacts
Youth are especially vulnerable during periods of rapid growth and increased activity and independence. Preventing falls requires a comprehensive approach that includes awareness, safe environments, and proper supervision.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood, such as abuse, neglect or household dysfunction. Left unaddressed, ACEs can lead to long-term health challenges including mental illness, substance use and chronic disease. MSDH partners with schools, community organizations and healthcare providers to raise awareness, promote trauma-informed care, and build resilience in children and families.
Violence Prevention
Safe Gun Storage: Be SMART Mississippi
MSDH promotes responsible firearm storage through the BE SMART campaign, encouraging adults to:
- Secure guns in homes and vehicles
- Model responsible behavior
- Ask about unsecured firearms in other homes
- Recognize the role of guns in suicide
- Tell others to be SMART The goal is to prevent unintentional shootings, suicides, and firearm-related injuries—especially among children and teens.
Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System (MSVDRS)
MSVDRS is a statewide surveillance system that collects detailed information on homicides, suicides, and firearm-related deaths. By analyzing these data, MSDH identifies patterns, informs prevention strategies, and works with partners to reduce violent deaths across Mississippi.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a growing public health crisis in Mississippi. Our prevention efforts include public education, training for healthcare professionals, postvention support, and promoting access to mental health services. MSDH uses data from the Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System (MSVDRS) to identify trends and guide statewide suicide prevention initiatives.
Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT)
AVERT equips individuals and organizations with the skills to respond during active violence incidents. Through scenario-based training, participants learn how to recognize warning signs, respond quickly, and provide life-saving interventions in emergencies.
Together for a Safer Mississippi
Through evidence-based strategies, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is committed to reducing preventable injuries and deaths across the lifespan. Collaboration, education and community-based solutions help prevent injuries and violence before they happen — making Mississippi a safer, healthier place to live, work and play.
