The Journey of Safety and Health Centers: Progress and Hurdles

The National Policy for Reducing Morbimortality from Accidents and Violence (PNRMAV) led to the creation of Violence Prevention and Health Promotion Centers (NPVPS). These centers were set up to tackle the growing issues of accidents and violence in communities. The idea was to have these centers at different levels of care: primary care, hospital and pre-hospital care, and rehabilitation. The goal was to cover all bases and provide comprehensive support. To understand how well these centers are working, a survey was conducted. Managers and professionals from various care levels filled out questionnaires and participated in interviews. The results showed that a significant number of these centers are in place. In primary care units, 56. 2% have state centers, and 18. 8% have municipal centers. For hospital and pre-hospital units, the numbers are 63. 5% and 31. 5%, respectively. Rehabilitation units follow with 54. 4% state centers and 29. 1% municipal centers. The survey also revealed that state centers are providing support to a large number of primary care units in municipalities, covering 83. 8% of them. They also support 84. 1% of pre-hospital and hospital care and 79. 2% of rehabilitation units. Municipal centers, on the other hand, are supporting 96. 2% of primary care units, 97. 1% of pre-hospital and hospital care, and 93. 1% of rehabilitation units. This shows that while the centers are present, their reach and effectiveness vary. Despite the progress, there are several challenges. The survey identified issues in how these centers operate. However, those involved in the survey acknowledged the support they receive. This suggests that while there are problems, the centers are still making a difference. The centers are not just about treating injuries. They play a crucial role in preventing violence and promoting health. They work at the grassroots level, engaging with communities to address the root causes of violence. This includes educating people about safety measures, providing counseling, and creating awareness about health issues. The journey of these centers is a testament to the efforts being made to create safer communities. However, it also highlights the need for continuous improvement. The challenges identified in the survey are opportunities for growth. By addressing these issues, the centers can become more effective in their mission. It is a work in progress, but the progress made so far is commendable.