The Safe States Alliance Innovative Initiatives Program & Annual Award is a project designed to provide members of the Safe States Alliance with opportunities to celebrate and showcase the successes of their injury and violence prevention programs. An “innovative initiative” is defined as a unique and creative program or activity that has the potential to substantially decrease injuries and violence in a state, city, or community.

Through the Innovative Initiatives program, Safe States members can:

• Educate legislators, decision-makers, and the general public about the value of injury and violence prevention programs;
• Demonstrate how their resources have been well-invested and well-utilized;
• Serve as encouraging and inspiring examples to other states and communities; and
• Illustrate that injury and violence prevention programs are not only beneficial, but essential.

“Innovative Initiative of the Year” Award

Annually, Safe States Alliance members are invited to submit “innovative initiatives” that have been implemented by or in conjunction with their organizations and/or programs. Four finalists are selected from the submissions entered, and one finalist is selected by a vote of the full membership of Safe States to receive the “Innovative Initiative of the Year” Award. Nominated programs must be members of Safe States.

The link to this program will take the user to the Innovative Initiatives Program webpage, which includes:

— the Award Winners and Finalists since 2010

— Recording of the annal Innovative Initiatives webinar since 2010

— Presentations from the annual Innovative Initiatives Award Winners and Finalists since 2010