Our Educational Programs

We want to make an impression on children when they are young.  This program is designed to help students in first through fifth grades develop lifelong safety habits.  We focus on six topics:

1. Water safety.
2. Bicycle/pedestrian safety.
3. Sports/recreational safety.
4. Vehicle safety.
5. Violence prevention.
6. Basic brain and spinal cord anatomy and function.

ThinkFirst of the Ark-La-Tex, in conjunction with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, conducts the ThinkFirst for Teens Assembly.  Teenagers and young adults learn about the dire consequences of poor decisions in motor vehicles and lifelong effects of traumatic injury. The areas of focus are:

1. An educator discusses the anatomy and function of the brain and spinal cord and the effects of traumatic injury to themselves and others.
2. A powerful film documenting the consequences of drinking and driving is shown.
3. A Voice for Injury Prevention (VIP) speaker discusses the traumatic injury they experienced and how it could have been prevented.  This presentation provides an honest discussion of disability and the results of poor choices.
4. Short video clips are shown describing what happens when safety belts are not used and the consequences of distracted driving.
5. A time is given for questions by students and teachers. 

Our adult continuing education program reinforces the ThinkFirst message to colleges, churches, community groups, corporate organizations and senior citizen facilities. This program includes discussions on:

1. The anatomy and function of the brain and spinal cord and the effects of traumatic injury.
2. Statistics that show adults ways to protect themselves and their families in home safety, driving habits and road safety. 

"I thought that it was very powerful and made a big impact on the way I look at driving.  It has motivated me to always wear my seat belt and know that what I do on the road affects those around me."

-- Airline High School Student

"Thank you for coming and sharing with our students.  I have been known to talk on my cell and sometimes try to read emails or Facebook while at the red light - but after hearing these moving and real stories, I've made a commitment to no more phone usage while driving in a car.  Please keep sharing your story.  If even one student is impacted, it's worth it."

-- Byrd High School Teacher