Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ALFRED DUPONT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL - Delaware
Safety Store 

What is it? 
The hospital-based retail center provides low-cost safety products as well as education on their proper use to parents and other caregivers.  The store opened in January 2008 with a $10,000 grant from the National Association for Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and $50,000 in start up funds from the hospital. Products are sold at cost and items carried include adaptive products such as allergy alert labels, child I.D. bracelets and window alarms; sport and water safety products like bike and multi-sport helmets, personal flotation devices and ear plugs; and a wide range of items for the home including window blind cord wind-ups, appliance latches, outlet covers, stove knob covers and more. 

Who is it for? 
The store is open to everyone, but the Trauma Program’s Injury Prevention staff and volunteers attempt to reach the individuals in lower-income communities by speaking at health fairs sponsored by fire companies, libraries and community based organizations.

Why do they do it? 
Staffed by the hospital’s Injury Prevention employees, this project aims to improve awareness and prevent injuries by providing an array of safety-conscious products and the information and instruction necessary for their effective use. 

Impact:  
The store, open only 12 hours a week, has served nearly 150 customers per month receiving important information on injury prevention as well as purchasing items at cost that will help prevent or minimize injuries. Currently, the majority of shoppers come from the families of the hospital’s inpatient population. The store has received media coverage and displays are presented at community health fairs to increase awareness of the store. 

Contact:  Sean Elwell
Injury Prevention Coordinator, Trauma Program
Telephone:  301-651-4928
E-mail:  selwell@NEMOURS.org