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Program to reward kids bicycling with helmets
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This summer, strangers patrolling local neighborhoods will offer children cookies and stickers.
But this time, parents should not fear.
The cookies and stickers will be part of a Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh program -- Hard Head Patrol, established 2007 -- that aims to ensure that children wear helmets when riding bicycles and skateboards. Any child seen riding anything with wheels sans helmet will be given a sticker for a free helmet and fitting, while children seen wearing their helmets correctly will be awarded a Giant Eagle Cookie Card.
The program will run in part thanks to #1 Cochran, a car retailer that donated a 2012 Kia Sedona to the hospital on Tuesday. The van will be used to bring helmets to helmet fittings, said Chris Vitale, manager of the hospital's Injury Prevention program. During the summer, the hospital sponsors roughly 10 helmet fitting sessions hosted at Kohl's stores, local community centers and pediatrician's offices, she said.
"This is the first time we've had a vehicle to transport the helmets," she said. "Before, we had to rent a van or use personal cars. Now, we'll be able to bring the helmets in one trip in the van and use the saved money to benefit the Injury Prevention program."
Rob Cochran, president and CEO, said he was pleased to partner with the hospital, particularly for a program that aims to keep children safe.
He added that hospital employees will use the car to travel to neighboring communities to promote other safety initiatives, such as the responsible use of car seats.
First Published June 13, 2012 12:00 am
