Securing the right car seat is paramount for the safety of your child while traveling. Recognizing this critical need, Cook County Hospital (Stroger Hospital) previously offered a low-cost car seat program to assist families in Chicago. This initiative aimed to make essential car seats accessible to more parents, ensuring children of all ages could travel safely.
Understanding the Cook County Hospital Car Seat Program (Temporarily Suspended)
Historically, the Cook County Hospital car seat program provided a valuable service to the community. It offered a range of car seats, including infant, convertible, and booster seats, at significantly reduced prices – between $30 and $40. This affordability was a lifeline for many families striving to prioritize child safety without facing financial strain. The program operated on a cash-only basis and was situated in the Pediatric Waiting Area of the Emergency Room at Stroger Hospital, located at 1969 W. Ogden, Chicago.
To participate in the program and receive a car seat, parents or caregivers were required to watch a brief, informative video (approximately 20 minutes) on proper car seat installation. This educational component underscored the program’s commitment to not only providing affordable car seats but also ensuring they were used correctly to maximize child safety. For any queries, the program could be contacted at 312-864-2016.
Important Update: Program Suspension
It is crucial to note that the low-cost car seat program at Cook County Hospital is currently suspended until further notice. While this program has been an invaluable resource in the past, families seeking affordable car seats will need to explore alternative options at this time. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly at 312-864-2016 to inquire about the program’s current status and any potential updates regarding its resumption.
Alternative Resources for Car Seats and Safety Checks in Chicago
While the Cook County Hospital program is on hold, ensuring your child’s car seat is correctly installed remains crucial. Fortunately, numerous resources in Chicago offer car seat checks and guidance:
- Chicago Fire Department, Public Education Office (312-747-6691): Although direct contact might require persistence, the Chicago Fire Department often provides car seat installation checks as a public service.
- Secretary of State (866-247-0213): The Secretary of State’s office can offer information and potentially connect you with car seat safety resources.
- Chicago Police Department (311 or local district): Your local Chicago Police District may have officers trained in car seat safety checks. Contacting your district or calling 311 is a good starting point.
- Suburban Fire and Police Departments: If you reside in the suburbs of Chicago, many local fire and police departments have certified technicians who can inspect your car seat installation. Contact your nearest department to inquire.
- Seatcheck (http://www.seatcheck.net): This website provides a national database of car seat checkup events. Visit the site and look for the “Checkup Events” link to find upcoming events in the Chicago area.
- Safety Kids (http://www.safekidsillinois.org/cert.safekids.org): The Safety Kids Illinois website allows you to “Find a Tech” – search for certified child passenger safety technicians in your vicinity.
Prioritizing Child Passenger Safety
Regardless of where you obtain your car seat, ensuring it is the correct size for your child and installed properly is non-negotiable. Utilize the resources listed above to access car seat checks and professional guidance. Child passenger safety is a critical aspect of responsible driving, and taking the necessary steps to secure your child correctly is an investment in their well-being. Stay informed about the Cook County Hospital car seat program and explore these alternative resources to guarantee your child’s safety on every journey.
