Pioneer Award Keynote: A Perspective from Someone in the Caravan

Judy Schaechter, MD, MBA

When I hear the term “pioneer,” I think of a trailblazer, the first, or among the first, to forge a path, chart a course, or show the way. An epic hero, a singular individual at the reigns before a great expedition or conquest, a person who will, or already has, claimed new territory. Injury prevention counts such exemplary, visionary leaders among its pioneers.

At the same time, “pioneers,” when applied to injury prevention, and across public health, rarely exists in the singular. Leaders of child injury prevention are collaborative, inclusive, diverse, spanning across departments, institutions and communities. They make change by leading movements and coalitions. They value the caravan. Increasingly, they are the caravan.

From the Bible to the Oregon Trail, from the discovery of small pox vaccination to mRNA utilization, from child labor laws to cannabis packaging, we credit great accomplishments to great individuals. And while individuals absolutely inspire us to action and themselves make tangible difference, it is hard to think of an epic event or accomplishment that did not depend – absolutely depend – on many people. Certainly, nothing I ever did that matters did I do alone. As Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has". The ‘group’ is key. That group is the Coalition, and it allows us to move forward together as pioneers, pioneers who share an “Injury Free” vision.

IFCK welcomed me into the caravan of pioneers twenty-five years ago and has done so time and time again. When, knowing nothing and bringing no tangible resources, I asked to join as a new site, IFCK showed me the map/handbook and helped our Miami site launch. When Miami looked at local data and declared that its primary concern was firearm injury prevention (always a sensitive topic, one some groups wanted to keep at a distance), IFCK welcomed us, and even circled the wagons when one of us became part of a lawsuit for child safety. When asked to consider injury in the context of anti-racism and then climate change, IFCK again said yes.

Our current times bring unprecedented change and challenge, putting children and the public’s health at significant risk, now and into the future. The landscape and horizon are altered in terms of funding, access, and agenda. While visionary leaders are still needed, singular individuals are easily targeted. The times call for caravans. It is on us to connect, to collaborate, to reinforce partnerships and coalitions – to find and expand community. Communication is essential; sharing of truth, and clarity of the limits of that truth, are critical to credibility. Committing to our common values and principles will help move us forward.

I am incredibly grateful to this coalition of colleagues, this caravan that is IFCK, which has helped me (and each of us) to be one among the pioneers.

1. Identify three significant public health advances associated with more than a single individual.
2. List at least three skills essential to successful injury prevention advocacy.
3. Adapt crisis management communication approaches to injury prevention tool kit.