THINK FIRST

Think First for Kids is a national brain and spinal cord injury prevention program developed by neurosurgeons and educators to teach injury prevention techniques to first through third grade children. SFIC’s health educators teach the six-week curriculum, which includes lessons on brain and spinal cord anatomy, vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, sports and water safety and violence prevention, in San Francisco and northern San Mateo County elementary schools. 

Using everything from comic strips to mathematical word problems, safety messages are introduced and reinforced in an engaging and interactive manner.  Highlights of the program include passing around a touchable brain model, dropping watermelons to demonstrate the efficacy of bike helmets, and having VIPs (Voices for Injury Prevention) serve as guest speakers in the classrooms. 

 VIPs, who are young men and women with acquired brain and spinal cord injuries, are an integral and innovative part of the Think First program. VIPs share their true life stories with students to encourage the practice of safety habits that may prevent a life changing injury.  By openly discussing their injuries, VIPs introduce children to disabilities and become inspiring advocates for injury prevention.

 If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a VIP, or if you would like to bring Think First for Kids to your school, please contact the San Francisco Injury Center (415-206-5952); email.