LiveWell Becomes Lead Organization for Safe Kids Douglas County

Many people are surprised to learn that preventable injuries are the number one cause of death to children in the United States and around the world, a child dies from a preventable injury every minute. Millions more are injured in ways that can affect them for a lifetime.

But these injuries and deaths don’t have to happen. Safe Kids Worldwide supports a network of coalitions and strategic partners committed to using education, public health interventions, and policies to reduce unintentional injuries in children. LiveWell Douglas County is excited to be a part of this network and serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Douglas County.

The primary focus of Safe Kids Douglas County is increasing the number of children properly protected by a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) educate parents and caregivers on car seat installation and other vehicle-related topics, such as heat stroke and driveway safety. Safe Kids Douglas County also provides free car seats to families with low incomes or facing challenges.

“We currently have twenty-two certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in Douglas County, which includes everyone from community members and teachers to law enforcement and health care workers,” said Ginny Barnard, Executive Director of LiveWell Douglas County. To become a certified child passenger safety technician, individuals must complete a three-day training. To learn more about becoming a CPST visit cert.safekids.org

Child Passenger Safety Technicians volunteer their time to child safety seat checks where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance with the proper use of child restraint systems and seat belts. “A majority of children are not traveling safely in vehicles and parents or caregivers need a little help to get it right,” shared Ginny.

If you, or someone you know, have questions or need help installing a car seat go to bit.ly/safekidsdgco to make an appointment at an upcoming car seat check event. For more information or questions, call Ginny at 785-843-7058.