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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN CITRUS COUNTY REMINDS PARENTS TO BUCKLE UP THE KIDDOES

By Amy Douglas, APR

September 12, 2022

[Lecanto, Fla.] — Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) reminds parents to buckle up your little ones during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Child Passenger Safety Week, September 18-24, 2022.

 

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children. In 2020, more than 90 Florida children between the ages of 0 and 14 lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents.  Of those, three were from Citrus County.

 

“Using properly installed car seats, for every trip in the car, is key to keeping children safe,” says Carmen Hernandez, Community Health Program Administrator for DOH-Citrus.  “We know that car seat installation can be confusing. That’s why we offer car seat checks for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers.”

 

In February, nine members of local agencies completed training that designates them as National Child Passenger Safety Technicians according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This allows DOH-Citrus, along with its partner agencies, to check the installation of a child’s car seat.

 

Safety checks are offered on an appointment-only basis and can be scheduled by calling 352-513-6016. You should allow at least 30 minutes for the appointment.

 

Having trouble finding an affordable car seat? DOH-Citrus may be able to help with low-cost or no-cost car seat options, for those who qualify. Contact Taylor Kirby at 352-513-6016 or email taylor.kirby@flhealth.govfor more information.

For more information about DOH-Citrus, go to www.citrus.floridahealth.govor follow us on Twitter at

@FLHealthCitrus.

 

About the Florida Department of Health

 

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

 

Follow us on Facebook,Instagramand Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.