Voices for Injury Prevention

ThinkFirst is effective and successful largely because of young speakers who help us deliver the ThinkFirst message.  ThinkFirst VIPs (Voices for Injury Prevention) share their personal stories with audiences of all ages.  VIPs are individuals that have sustained a brain or spinal cord injury and wish to share their prevention message with others.  They tell us that sharing their story through ThinkFirst gives them the unique, rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people.

ThinkFirst VIPs talk candidly with students about their lives before their injury, how they were injured, how their lives have changed since sustaining their injury, and about the decision and circumstance that led to their injuries.  Each presentation is followed by a question and answer discussion session.  

VIPs are specially chosen for their expertise in health education and their ability to relate to young people. Their compelling stories have a powerful impact on students and are central to ThinkFirst's success in decreasing risk behaviors among Oregon's young people.

If your organization would like more information about our program, or about how someone you know can become involved as a speaker or volunteer, please E-mail thinkfirst@ohsu.edu or call (503) 494-7801