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Our vision:

A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.

Safe Kids Kitsap works to prevent child injury and death

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A woman with short dark hair wearing a black blazer talks to a group of people sitting at different tables. A presentation slide behind her reads "Safe Kids Kitsap Coalition, 2026 Kickoff Event"

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — On Feb. 12, 2026, more than 30 professionals from local organizations gathered to kick off a new coalition that is working to build a safe and injury-free Kitsap County.

Safe Kids Kitsap Coalition


Safe Kids Kitsap is a new coalition under Safe Kids Washington that will create injury prevention best practices in collaboration with community partners. 

 

The group will focus on five specific areas in 2026: 

 

1. Suicide and Firearm Violence Prevention 

 

In 2023, 19% of 10th grade students in Kitsap reported seriously considering suicide in the past 12 months. This is statistically significantly higher than the overall rate of Washington State in the same year (15.1%).  

 

By creating safe spaces and trusted resources for youth, we can reduce the risk of suicide. 

 

2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Prevention 

 

Data from the 2024-25 school year shows that concussions happened during a variety of activities and sports, with football causing almost half (42%) of them. Athletes who return to sports too soon after a concussion have an increased risk for repeat concussions and permanent disability.  

 

By ensuring that schools and sports teams have the right resources and tools to manage concussions, we can reduce the long-term effects of concussions. 

 

3. Safer Infant Sleeping Environments 

 

Thousands of babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly, and many of these deaths occur while baby is sleeping.  

 

By offering support for safer sleeping environments, we can help reduce a baby's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths. 

 

4. Traffic and Child Passenger Safety 

 

In 2024, 19 children died in vehicle collisions in Washington state – 25 children were injured.  

 

By increasing awareness of Washington’s Child Restraint Law and helping families follow the requirements, we can reduce the risk of child death and injury in a vehicle collision. 

 

5. Grief and Bereavement Supports 

 

Studies have shown that grieving parents and siblings face higher risks of negative health, social, and economic outcomes.  

 

By building stronger supports to help families early in their grief, we can reduce the onset of poor health behaviors and outcomes. 

Get involved!


Safe Kids Kitsap has formed workgroups for each topic that meet monthly to develop ideas for a safer Kitsap County. 

 

To join Safe Kids Kitsap and be a part of a workgroup, contact cdp@kitsappublichealth.org.


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