Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is nationally recognized for its Injury Prevention Program, dedicated to breaking the cycle of unintentional injuries in children. A crucial part of this mission is ensuring child passenger safety, and CHLA, through partnerships like the Kohl’s Cares program, offers vital resources and education to the community. Understanding the importance of proper car seat usage is paramount for parents and caregivers.
The Importance of Car Seat Safety
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for children. Properly installed and used car seats can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and fatality in the event of a crash. The Kohl’s Cares Car Seat Program at CHLA is designed to empower families with the knowledge and tools necessary to keep their children safe while traveling.
Image: A mother securing her child in a car seat, emphasizing the importance of proper car seat safety.
Free Car Seat Inspections by Certified Technicians
One of the key services offered through CHLA’s Injury Prevention Program is free car seat inspections. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to assist parents and caregivers in ensuring their car seats are installed correctly. These inspections are invaluable as studies show that a significant percentage of car seats are improperly installed, reducing their effectiveness in protecting children. By scheduling a car seat inspection with CHLA, you can gain peace of mind knowing your child’s car seat is installed correctly and is appropriate for their age, weight, and height. To schedule an appointment, you can easily contact CHLA for assistance.
Car Seat Recycling Program: Safety and Sustainability
Recognizing that car seats have expiration dates and can become unsafe after accidents, CHLA also offers a Car Seat Recycling Program. Car seats typically expire six years from their manufacture date, which is usually printed on the seat itself. Expired car seats or those involved in accidents should be taken out of use to prevent them from circulating and potentially endangering other children.
Image: A car seat ready for recycling, highlighting the CHLA car seat recycling program for community safety and environmental responsibility.
CHLA makes car seat recycling convenient by allowing drop-offs at the hospital’s main entrance on the first Friday of each month, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Recycling car seats is important for several reasons: it prevents damaged or expired seats from being reused, and it’s environmentally responsible, as approximately 90% of car seat materials are recyclable. This program underscores CHLA’s commitment to both child safety and environmental stewardship.
Kohl’s Cares Partnership: Amplifying Safety Efforts
The Kohl’s Cares program plays a vital role in supporting CHLA’s Injury Prevention Program. This partnership enables CHLA to expand its reach and provide essential safety education and resources to a wider community. Through Kohl’s Cares, CHLA can offer programs like car seat education, home safety initiatives, and sports safety campaigns, all aimed at reducing preventable childhood injuries.
Image: Representatives from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Kohl’s Cares program, showcasing the partnership dedicated to child safety and injury prevention initiatives.
Beyond Car Seats: A Holistic Approach to Injury Prevention
While the Kohl’s Cares Car Seat Program is a significant component, CHLA’s Injury Prevention Program encompasses a broader range of safety initiatives. These include:
- Home Safety Education: Providing resources and guidance to families on how to create a safer home environment, addressing hazards like burns, falls, poisonings, and choking. Home safety audits are also offered to families of children recently injured at home, providing personalized recommendations and safety devices.
Image: Childproofing products, specifically stove knob covers, exemplifying home safety measures promoted by CHLA.
- Pedestrian Safety Education (L.A. Street Smarts): An interactive program that teaches children how to navigate streets safely, reducing the risk of pedestrian-related injuries.
Image: Children participating in L.A. Street Smarts program, learning pedestrian safety in a simulated street environment.
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Sports Safety and Concussion Awareness: Campaigns and educational materials focused on preventing sports-related injuries and raising awareness about concussion safety.
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Safety Videos and Resources: Offering brief, informative videos and downloadable brochures covering various safety topics, including earthquake, home, passenger, pedestrian, sports, and water safety.
Conclusion: Partnering for a Safer Future for Children
The Kohl’s Cares Car Seat Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a testament to the power of community partnerships in promoting child safety. By providing free car seat inspections, a convenient recycling program, and comprehensive safety education, CHLA, with the support of Kohl’s Cares, is making a tangible difference in protecting children from preventable injuries. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to utilize these valuable resources to ensure the safety and well-being of their children, both on the road and at home. For more information about the Kohl’s Cares Car Seat Program and other injury prevention initiatives, please contact Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
