Staff Report

According to statistics recently released by Alabama Kids Count, Marengo County ranks 57 out of Alabama’s 67 counties regarding child and family well-being, but the Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital staff is doing something about it – and they’re making it fun.

Kid Safe 2004 will take place today in the hospital’s parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature safety-focused events for children of all ages.

“Accidental injury effects 20.6 million children each year nationwide,” said Mike Marshall, Hospital CEO/Administrator. “It’s vital that our community addresses the needs of our children and we hope that the Kid Safe program is just the beginning. Sponsoring Kid Safe gives us the opportunity to help area children have fun while at the same time learning how to avoid being included in those statistics.”

Marshall said a highlight of the day will be Safety City, sponsored by the West Alabama Community Traffic Safety Program.

Children in grades three and up will also have an opportunity to travel the streets of Safety City in the go-carts that will be provided on site. “The “temporary residents” of Safety City will learn about pedestrian, bicycle, auto, bus, and train safety, along with safety hazards.

While the children are learning about road rules in Safety City, parents can check their safety skills as a team of certified Child Safety Passenger Technicians (CSPT) from Bryan Whitfield’s HealthStart Program conduct free child safety seat inspections, which last about 15 to 30 minutes each.

Technicians will lead the parents step-by-step through the process of installing the seats with plenty of one-on-one teaching.