WHO Cooperating Helmet Initiative Program

Helmet promotion and helmet research programs are valuable resources - they can help increase helmet use and reduce brain injury, and they serve as valuable examples for others to emulate.

The WHO Helmet Initiative invites exceptional motorcycle and bicycle helmet promotion programs to serve as “best practice” models and as regional resource centers for other programs wishing to promote helmets.

How to Apply
The ideal Collaborating Helmet Initiative Program should have research, education, community outreach, and policy elements as part of its program to promote helmets. It should be affiliated with a hospital, a research university, or a health department.

Cooperating activities may include sharing of promotional and policy materials, providing training, mentoring, evaluation assistance and collaborative research, or even face-to-face training and technical assistance.

There is no formal application procedure for applying to become a Collaborating Helmet Initiative Program. If your program is interested, contact the WHO Helmet Initiative at info@whohelmets.org.

Your application packet should include:

• A letter of intent from the director or leader of your organization requesting designation as a Collaborating Helmet Initiative Program and indicating your program’s desire to participate in collaborative research and service.
• A narrative describing your program and research activities, including information on your program's history, program objectives, research and educational activities.
• An evaluation of your program activities.
• A description of ongoing collaborative activities.
• Samples of materials used in your program.

Staff at the WHO Helmet Initiative and at the Department of Injuries and Violence Prevention, World Health Organization (Geneva), will review application. If your program has the qualities felt essential to serve as a regional resource for motorcycle or bicycle helmet promotion, research, and evaluation, your program will be designated a Collaborating Helmet Initiative Program for a period of up to three years. Extension of this designation will be based upon satisfactory participation in the Helmet Initiative.