Motor vehicle accidents are a significant threat to children’s safety, but proper car seat usage can dramatically reduce the risk of injury and fatality. In Georgia, a vital initiative is working tirelessly to protect young passengers: the Free Car Seat Program Georgia, also known as the Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant program. This program, spearheaded by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Injury Prevention Program and supported by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), provides crucial resources to families across 113 counties, ensuring children are buckled up safely, every trip, every time.
Since its inception in 2007, the Free Car Seat Program Georgia has been instrumental in safeguarding children on Georgia roads. Through education, car seat distribution, and booster seat provisions, this program has demonstrably prevented serious injuries and saved the lives of over 437 children involved in vehicle crashes. These aren’t just numbers; they represent countless families spared from tragedy and children given a safer journey through life.
Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, emphasized the critical nature of this program: “Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and it’s our collective responsibility to maximize their safety in vehicles. Ensuring children are properly buckled up is the most effective way to prevent injuries and save lives.” This statement underscores the core mission of the Free Car Seat Program Georgia and the dedication of public health officials to child safety.
The impact of the Free Car Seat Program Georgia extends throughout the state, reaching diverse communities through partnerships between the DPH, county health departments, and local organizations. These collaborations are the backbone of the program, enabling comprehensive support for parents and caregivers. Services provided include:
- Educational Workshops: Parents and caregivers receive essential training on the correct installation and usage of car seats. This hands-on education is vital, as studies show a significant percentage of car seats are improperly installed.
- Car Seat Inspections: Certified technicians offer free car seat inspections to ensure existing car seats are correctly installed and appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and height. This service provides peace of mind and identifies potential safety hazards.
- Free Car Seats and Booster Seats: For families meeting financial eligibility criteria, the program provides free car seats and booster seats. This crucial support removes a significant barrier for low-income families, ensuring all children have access to safe car seats, regardless of financial constraints.
The Free Car Seat Program Georgia operates across a vast network, with agencies supporting 113 counties in 2023 alone. This widespread reach demonstrates the commitment to child safety across the entire state. The counties benefiting from the 2023 Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant include:
Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Barrow, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Calhoun, Camden, Carroll, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Clinch, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Dawson, DeKalb, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Fayette, Gilmer, Glynn, Grady, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Houston, Irwin, Jackson, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marion, McIntosh, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morgan, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Rockdale, Schley, Seminole, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Taylor, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Troup, Turner, Union, Upson, Ware, Washington, Webster, Wheeler, White, Whitfield, and Worth counties.
This extensive list highlights the broad impact of the Free Car Seat Program Georgia and its dedication to serving communities throughout the state.
The Georgia DPH actively encourages community involvement and partnerships to further enhance the reach and effectiveness of child safety programs. By working together, the DPH and its partners are making significant progress in achieving the goal of keeping every child in Georgia safe on the road.
For individuals seeking more information about the Free Car Seat Program Georgia or the Child Occupant Safety Project, the DPH provides accessible contact options. You can reach out via email at [email protected] or by calling the office at 404-463-1487. These resources are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and connect families with local programs.
In conclusion, the Free Car Seat Program Georgia stands as a beacon of commitment to child passenger safety. Through its multifaceted approach of education, inspection, and car seat provision, this program is making a tangible difference in protecting Georgia’s most vulnerable passengers. By ensuring that children are “buckled up right, every trip, every time,” the Free Car Seat Program Georgia is not only saving lives but also building a safer future for all children in the state.
