The County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has recently been awarded a substantial $250,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), a contribution that is set to elevate critical awareness around child safety seat education across our communities. With this new funding in place, the agency is now positioned to fuel its efforts in equipping parents, guardians, and caregivers with essential knowledge and tools needed to protect children on the road. Notably, this impactful program will operate through September 2025, strategically targeting community safety education, with a special emphasis on reaching underserved communities.
Indeed, the importance of child safety seats cannot be overstated; when used correctly, these seats have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in car crashes. Recognizing this vital need, HHSA has, in response, designed an inclusive program that aims to ensure every family in the county can access expert training, practical resources, and dedicated support. Through this initiative, the agency will not only offer direct training but also provide hands-on assistance and essential materials for caregivers, ultimately fostering safer travel for children countywide.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding to support our child safety seat education program,” said Barbara Jiménez, Community Operations Officer for the HHSA. “Properly using child car seats significantly lowers the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a crash.” With this grant, we can offer hands-on training, resources, and critical support to ensure every family has the knowledge and tools to keep their children safe.”
The program, backed by the OTS through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is committed to reaching every corner of the community. This will be achieved through accessible education, free resources, and valuable collaborations. Here’s what the grant will support:
Child Safety Seat Inspection Events and Education Classes: These events will provide expert-led training sessions to help parents and caregivers learn how to correctly install and use child safety seats.
Distribution of Child Safety Seats at No Cost for Families in Need: Recognizing the financial barriers that some families face, this program will provide child safety seats free of charge to qualifying families, enabling equal access to safety resources.
Partnerships with Local Organizations: By partnering with community organizations, especially those in underserved neighborhoods, HHSA will expand its outreach, ensuring that education and resources reach every corner of the community.
This program is a step forward in making our roads safer for children, aligning with national road safety goals and the local mission to protect families. It’s more than just an investment in safety; it’s a commitment to educating, empowering, and ensuring peace of mind for parents and caregivers. Community members are encouraged to attend these upcoming training sessions and take advantage of the resources available to safeguard their children.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach to public health and safety, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in promoting a safer environment for all residents. Child safety is a shared responsibility, and the HHSA’s latest program makes it easier for families to fulfill this role with confidence.
Stay tuned for event dates, program updates, and more opportunities to participate in this essential program for our community’s youngest members. Together, we can make a powerful impact and create safer roads for all.
