ThinkFirst

ThinkFirst educates young children and adolescents about injury prevention in the hope that they will adopt positive attitudes and behaviors that will reduce their risk of ever experiencing a traumatic, disabling injury. The program's objectives are to:

• Increase knowledge about brain and spinal cord injuries.
• Influence a positive change in behavior and attitude regarding the wearing of seat belts and helmets, use of designated drivers and "don't drink and drive".
• Promote awareness of the consequences of high-risk behaviors.
• Reinforce safety and prevention messages.

The program is presented in assembly or classroom format by the coordinator for Spinal Cord Injury Services at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and a Kessler Foundation ThinkFirst Voice for Injury Prevention (VIP) speaker, who is a spinal cord injury survivor. The VIP provides age-appropriate information about his or her personal experiences and discusses the physical, emotional and financial impact of a permanent and disabling injury. Students also compete for cash awards by creating posters and completing quizzes that show they have learned the importance of safe behaviors.

With insight about the consequences of risky behavior, students develop a greater respect for individuals with disabilities, and learn to think first before taking what could be a life-threatening risk.

For more information about Kessler Foundation’s ThinkFirst program or to schedule a presentation in your school, please call the Foundation office at
(973) 324-8362.