Study: More than one-quarter of child deaths in Wisconsin were preventable

By Staff Writer

A recent study reveals that approximately one in four child deaths that occurred in Wisconsin between 2007 and 2008 could have been prevented.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that a total of 308 accidental deaths, 63 homicides and 31 suicides accounted for 26 percent of the total youth deaths in the two-year span, according to information gathered by the Wisconsin Child Death Review Council. The organization collaborated with Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin, the Injury Research Center and the Department of Health Services to offer preventative measures.

Motor vehicle and other transport crashes were the most common causes for accidental youth deaths, and the biggest risk factors associated with the incidents were speeding, recklessness and drug or alcohol use. Half of the unintentional poisonings that occurred were caused by non-medical use of prescription drugs.

Anti-depressants, methadone, opiates and alcohol contributed to overdose cases among adolescents, according to the news provider. The council suggested that homeowners should dispose of all medication that is no longer being used or expired.

According to a study done by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, teen usage of prescription drugs increased 93 percent between 1993 and 2005.