DENVER (Sept. 14, 2011) – Centura Health, Colorado’s largest health care provider, launched The BetterMe Blueprint Distracted Driving Challenge today as part of its efforts to stem the increasing number of vehicular accidents caused by distracted driving. This comprehensive online program uses a foundation of email and social media to tap into drivers’ personal relationships to influence against high-risk distracted driving behaviors. While several safe driving programs exist already, the significant differentiator to this program is the ability to track people’s responses on a weekly basis to identify the number of people who report they are actually making changes to minimize distractions in the car. The program also taps into the personal influence friends and loved ones can have in changing destructive behavior.
The program is supported by the Centura Health Trauma System, which consists of an Injury Prevention Committee that oversees more than 75 programs annually, reaching more Coloradans in more communities across the state with education and prevention efforts for all age groups than any other provider.
THE BETTERME BLUEPRINT DISTRACTED DRIVING CHALLENGE
· The BetterMe BluePrint Distracted Driving Challenge was created to help Coloradoans recognize when driving distractions are happening and provide information to affect real change by helping people minimize distractions and save lives. The online program also enables people to share the message with family and friends in order to create a conversation for people of all ages, and cultivate the development of safe driving habits.
· Starting today, people who register for The BetterMe Blueprint Distracted Driving Challenge on the Web landing page or Facebook tab, will receive weekly emails over four weeks that enables them (and whomever in their network they choose) to track their progress. The program goes beyond a message, and instead creates a personal connection for people to make safer decisions, advocating that those closest to them are more focused behind the wheel.
· A weekly participant will be chosen randomly to win a $50 gift card, and one person who completes all four weeks of the program will be selected to win a $1,000 gas card.
· More information can be found on the BetterMe BluePrint Distracted Driving Web landing page or the Centura Health Facebook Page.
QUOTES:
· “We believe prevention is the best trauma care of all,” said Margaret Sabin, Centura Health Trauma System chair and president and CEO, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. “Our trauma system, and the partnerships and programs we offer the community, continue to support our goal of preventing injuries before they happen. The distracted driving challenge goes beyond asking people to give their word, and is actually designed to make people personally accountable for their decisions. ”
· “The BetterMe Blueprint Distracted Driving Challenge is another way we’re reaching Coloradans to provide health information in a personal way,” said Wendi Dammann, director of external affairs, Centura Health. “The BetterMe Blueprint is essentially a tool that Coloradans can use for free – and share with their family and friends – in order to prevent risky behaviors that could lead to health issues. It empowers people to identify what health issues are important to them, seek out the information and make changes to lead a healthy life.”
ABOUT THE BETTERME BLUEPRINT PROGRAM:
· The Centura Health BetterMe Blueprint is a new online and social media program that launched in September 2011 to connect with Coloradoans to help them manage their health in ways that transcend the walls of Centura Health’s hospitals.
· It is rooted in a robust online and social media presence that encourages two-way dialogue with Coloradans, with health and wellness information that is available based on their values and what is most important to them.
· The program kicks off with the distracted driving challenge in September 2011 and will then segue into other activities, including fitness, community wellness and other topics related to cardiovascular health, stroke, and oncology.
ABOUT THE CENTURA HEALTH TRAUMA SYSTEM:
· The Centura Health Trauma System features a comprehensive network that connects its regional facilities, as well as provides medical direction and support to 130 pre-hospital agencies, including fire, ambulance, ski patrols, rescue groups and communication centers across Colorado.
· The Centura Health Trauma System encompasses 17 Centura Health facilities – including 14 trauma centers, Flight For Life® Colorado, the state’s largest EMS support system and essential partnerships – and complements the state’s existing trauma system, to expedite access to life-saving treatment for trauma patients in more communities throughout Colorado than any other health care organization.
- The creation of the Centura Health trauma registry, which now consists of more than 45,000 patients, continues to serve as the foundation for tracking patient outcomes and developing clinical best practice protocols.
- All 14 Centura Health trauma centers achieved trauma center designation from the Colorado Department of Health with no criteria deficiencies.
- Centura Health’s Level I and Level II trauma centers received verification from the American College of Surgeons with no criteria deficiencies.
- The Centura Health Trauma System partnered with the Outreach Health Council to provide education and trauma service support to more than 15 non-Centura Health hospitals.
- The Centura Health Trauma System established an Injury Prevention Committee that oversees more than 75 programs annually, providing Coloradans with education and prevention efforts for all age groups.
STATS ON DISTRACTED DRIVING:
· According to the National Highway Transportation Agency, 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
· The United States Department of Transportation defines distracted driving as anything that involves: taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, or taking your mind off what you're doing.
· Distracted driving is:
- Using a cell phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a PDA or navigation system
- Watching a video
- Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player.
- Source: US Department of Transportation
INTERVIEWS:
Interviews are available upon request with: Wendi Dammann, director of external affairs, Centura Health.
For more information about the Centura Health network of care, visit www.centuraconnected.org.
###
About Centura Health
Centura Health, Colorado’s health care leader, is focused on connecting Coloradans to affordable, world-class care in every corner of the state. Centura Health’s integrated statewide network includes 13 hospitals, seven senior living communities, medical clinics, affiliated partner hospitals, Flight For Life® Colorado, and home care and hospice services. Approximately 14,500 of the best hearts and minds in medicine, along with 6,000 physician partners, have access to the most technologically advanced tools available. For Coloradans, this means the top expertise and technology is right where you need it – close to where you are. We reach beyond hospital walls to connect with people at every stage of life to bring them life-enriching compassion and life-affirming hope. Connections that only Centura Health can make. For information on Centura Health or any of the facilities in our network, please visit www.centura.org.
