YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of $315,000 to support its efforts in educating parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety seats and making sure every child travels safely.

The grant program runs through September.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant to support our child safety-seat education program,” said Brian Vaughn, Health and Human Services Agency Public Health Branch director. “Proper use of child car seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. With this funding, we can provide hands-on training, resources and support so that every family has the knowledge and tools to keep their children safe.”

Grant funds will be utilized to support a range of community outreach events, educational classes and initiatives focused on child safety. These funds will help distribute child safety seats and provide training on their proper installation and use.

The car-seat safety program includes community education and car seat check events, as well as individual car seat checks by appointment. Families in need will have access to no-cost child safety seats and Child Passenger Safety Technician training will be offered.

The program will also promote the importance of recycling safety seats and properly discarding used or expired seats. Additionally, efforts will be made to partner with local organizations to extend car seat safety outreach to communities.

To learn more about Yolo County’s Child Passenger Safety Program, contact [email protected]. Residents can call Yolo 2-1-1 for resource information and follow Yolo County on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YoloCounty.