Witnessing devastation like what we have seen in Haiti since the earthquake on January 12 leaves everyone asking what little bit they can do to help.  What is certain is that a natural disaster of this scale requires a coordinated response across many disciplines and a sustained international effort from public health and relief organizations.  The CDC Injury Center is supporting an agency wide effort to work with partners and immediately address the public health needs of the Haiti earthquake survivors.

Whether at home, on the road, or in relationships, people who drink too much are at a higher risk of sustaining injury or causing injury to others.  Excessive drinking is the leading risk factor for injury in the United States and the third leading cause of preventable death. The CDC’s Injury Center supports alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI), a clinical preventive service now provided in many Level I trauma centers.  The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (COT) requires Level I trauma centers to have a mechanism to identify patients whose drinking is unhealthy and provide on-the-spot brief counseling. This requirement of screening and brief intervention is an evidence-based two-step process: conducting a screening and implementing brief intervention if the screening is positive for risky alcohol use.

Our goal at the Injury Center is to prevent injuries. Yet we know that despite all of our efforts, injuries will occur. So we believe it also is our professional responsibility to help ensure the best response when they do.