The Montgomery County Office of Public Health (OPH) has been the recipient of state funding to implement and evaluate prevention programs for close to three decades. During that time, programs addressing access to healthy foods, access to safe physical activity, chronic diseases (including various forms of cancer and diabetes), and injury prevention have been created and delivered to thousands of County residents. County funding has been utilized to supplement efforts in areas that were not focus areas of state funding.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of injury and death in Montgomery County. Data indicates those at greatest risk include young drivers, unbelted occupants, older drivers, and unrestrained children. Because of this, OPH receives funding from PennDOT to carry out education and outreach programs as a vital component of statewide traffic safety efforts.
Activities supporting enforcement efforts greatly increase the effectiveness and ability to change driver behavior. Educational programs targeted to all age groups raise awareness of traffic safety laws, available resources and training, and general driver instruction. Outreach programs to schools, community groups, businesses, police departments, EMS providers, and the judicial community increase knowledge of traffic safety campaigns throughout the year.