If you need a car seat for baby, you’re in luck. The Family Resource Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is again partnering with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to offer a free car seat safety program.
The renewed $13,923 grant means free car seats for those in need. Plus, YRMC has educational programs to ensure those car seats are used safely and correctly.
Car seat safety is more important than ever. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, by properly buckling children in age- and size- appropriate car seats and booster seats, you can reduce the risk of serious injury and death in a crash by as much as 80 percent.
If you already own a car seat you can still participate. The program includes a 30- to 45- minute educational session, safety inspection, and hands-on demonstration on how to properly install your specific car seat. YRMC’s Family Resource Center uses nationally certified Child Passenger Safety technicians to conduct these weekly sessions.
Arizona Car Seat Laws in 2020
All 50 states have laws to help reduce the death rate among children riding in vehicles. But there are still far too many car-seat related fatalities each year. Arizona has enacted the following car seat laws in attempt to protect children in moving vehicles:
- Under one year or under 20 pounds – A rear-facing car seat is required.
- Ages one to five, at least 20 pounds, less than 4’9” – A front-facing car seat is required.
- Ages five to seven and up to 4’9” – A booster seat is required.
- Ages eight and above, regardless of height – Seat belts are always required.
More than Car Seats
YRMC’s Family Resource Center offers more than car seats to families across the Quad Cities area. It works to give children the best possible start on life. It does this by advocating for child safety and empowering parents with the knowledge, tools and resources to build strong parent-child relationships. And, it incorporates the latest research in early child development into all of its services.
Services include home visits by early childhood specialists, support around healthy pregnancies, help with bonding and attachment, and education on healthy brain development. The Family Resource Center also provides individualized screenings and connections to related community resources.
Call Today
Remember to protect your children and buckle up every age on every trip.
Call (928) 771-5651 today for more information. This program is provided by appointment only and is conducted at YRMC’s Del E. Webb Outpatient Center in Prescott Valley.