County Safe Kids receives grant
Safe Kids Marion County recently received an injury prevention grant for $4,516.
According to Sondra Mayfield, program coordinator, funds will be used to educate and protect children from injury and death.
Grant funds will be used to purchase children's life jackets, booster seats, home first-aid kits, baby bath thermometers, and electrical plug protectors.
For the past two years, children who attended Marion Head Start received a life jacket on the last day of school. This was in conjunction with the program on water safety presented by U.S. Corps of Engineers at Marion Reservoir. This grant also will include Hillsboro Head Start and USD 398 four-year-old at-risk program.
"Each child is properly fitted with the jacket and told of the importance of water safety," said Mayfield.
Another targeted population is children who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and do not use booster seats while riding in vehicles.
Presentations will be made to demonstrate the proper installation and importance of using these booster seats for children in this weight range.
"As Healthy Start Home Visitor of Marion County, I see approximately 150 families each year," said Mayfield. "During these visits, I have seen a need to focus on precautionary home safety for families with infants and toddlers."
Many of these families are unable to fully "safe proof" their homes. Baby bath thermometers and electrical outlet plugs will provide incentives for them to be more aware of home safety issues, said Mayfield. First-aid kits also will be a part of the post-natal packet.
Many young mothers are teens. During the previous year, 60 visits were made to teen mothers.
"Many of them have questions during this stressful time of being pregnant," Mayfield said.
A video especially for the younger mother will be available to them that provides information about caring for a newborn and child safety.
The grant is provided by Kansas Department of Health & Environment and does not require a local match.
"This is a great grant program for injury prevention," said Mayfield.
