QUEENSLAND HEALTH FUNDS SCHOOL SPINAL INJURY MESSAGES

15 February 2008

Powerful messages to help prevent spinal cord injuries in young people will be strengthened thanks to $10,000 in Queensland Health funding, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson today visited year 1 and 2 students at Runcorn Heights State School to announce the funding for the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) school program.

“The SEAT program is a service of the Spinal Injuries Association dedicated to sharing powerful injury prevention and safety messages with children throughout Queensland,” Mr Robertson said.

“The volunteer presenters of SEAT, who all have paraplegia or quadriplegia and use wheelchairs, have already spoken to 1.12million children since the program began in 1987.

“This year the program aims to share insight and information about injury prevention and safety with up to 80,000 students in pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools around Queensland.

“With volunteers located in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Ayr and Cairns, the strength of this school-based education program cannot be underestimated,” Mr Robertson said.

Queensland is the only state in Australia that has seen a constant reduction in the incidence of spinal cord injuries over the past 10 years, moving from the highest rate to the third-lowest rate in the country today.

“Unfortunately the sad fact remains that there are around 90 Queenslanders who incur a spinal cord injury every year and majority of these people are between the ages of 15 and 30, and are predominantly male,” Mr Robertson said.

“There is no cure for spinal injury; prevention is the only cure.

“That’s why we need to reiterate the message to young people, in particular, to slow down and take greater care, whether they are on the roads, at work sites, in the water or pursuing other recreational activities.

“SEAT’s interactive, multi-media program focuses on the consequences of life in a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury and is accredited by Education Queensland.

“Topics include lifestyle challenges, the anatomy and physiology of the spine, and important safety messages,” Mr Robertson said.

The SEAT Program is also supported by Disability Services Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Energex, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission and Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Schools and workplaces can book a SEAT visit by contacting 1800 810 513 or visiting www.spinal.com.au

MEDIA: AMANDA FROUDE 3225 2680