05/28/2021

Council of Centers Spotlight: University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center

Official Name of Organization/Center: University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center

Director: Patrick Carter, MD 

Year Organization/Center was founded: 1997 

City/state where the Organization/Center is located: Ann Arbor, Michigan

What is something that the city where your organization/center is located is known for?

Our football stadium (The Big House) is the largest stadium in the United States and Western Hemisphere, the third-largest stadium in the world, and the 34th largest sports venue. Its official capacity is 107,601 but has hosted crowds in excess of 115,000. For those that attended the 2017 SAVIR conference, we hosted the social event of the conference at the stadium!

What is/are the primary injury topics your organization/center addresses?

While we cover many injury topics, we have a particular focus on the prevention of opioid overdose, suicide, youth violence, firearm injury, motor vehicle crash, concussion, older adult falls, and ACEs.

Tell us about a fun office tradition your organization/center has.

Every summer (before COVID) our team would host a booth at the University of Michigan Researchpalooza! Researchpalooza is a fun way for the U-M research community to learn about the latest collaboration and funding opportunities available to them. The IPC team takes great pride in trying to develop fun and interactive games for visitors to our booth, and offering unique and interesting prizes. The day is also an ice cream social! The IPC team enjoys spending the day outside together, and promoting the work of the Center and the importance of injury prevention research.

How has your organization stayed connected during the pandemic?

We have daily morning Zoom touch bases to check in, and use Skype IM throughout the day to message each other.

Anything else you would like to share with SAVIR members about your organization/center?

Become a member of our Center! Membership is free, and as a member you will receive access to our communications and training opportunities, invitations to our virtual events, and recognition on our website. Apply here:  http://injurycenter.umich.edu/about-us/membership/becoming-a-member/