San Joaquin County Public Health Services’ Safe Kids Coalition has received a $94,906 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate parents and caregivers in underserved communities on how to properly install and use child safety seats. The program runs through September 2023.

“The goal of this program is to significantly improve the safety of children riding in cars and trucks,” said San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park. “Reducing the financial burden of purchasing child safety seats for low-income families helps all children in our community ride safely.”

Funds will be used for a variety of community outreach events, education classes, distribution of child safety seats, and training on the installation and use of child safety seats.

The car seat safety program includes:

• Child safety seat inspection events and education classes.

• Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and recertification courses.

• Child safety seats at no-cost for families in need.

• Partnering with Head Start providers on car seat safety community outreach efforts in underserved communities.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.