Outstanding and
impressive year
for Safe Kids
in 2008

Hard work does pay off….and in a huge way! Safe Kids North Central Florida has had an impressive and award winning year in 2008. We have worked extremely hard in reaching all of our eight counties. Our numbers and events show hard proof that our extensive education outreach has made a huge difference in the lives of the people we serve. We educate on so many levels and seeing our injuries and fatalities decrease – is very exciting. It is wonderful to work so hard – and then receive compliments, awards, nominations from local communities up to the highest level, Safe Kids Worldwide. Although we do our jobs and know within ourselves we are making a difference – it is so nice to be recognized and honored.

2008 was an outstanding year for us. With Safe Kids North Central Florida only having 2 employees, the task in front of us seemed impossible. We have a great coalition of members and agencies that provides us with volunteers, resources and great encouragement. With a detailed plan to tackle some of the largest goals we have set – we attained recording-breaking achievements. For the first time in two years, hospitalizations for motor vehicle injuries have dropped from our #1 category to #4. We are making a difference with community outreach, car seat services and education…and our decrease in injuries – says it all.

Some of our favorite awards include: Best Practices for the State of Florida (2 educational programs) and Outstanding Programs for Florida and Best Educator for Levy County. But our most meaningful awards come from children who send us cards and posters telling Safe Kids what a difference we have made in their lives and their families. My favorite card came from a 4th grader at Alachua County Elementary School. "Thank you Mrs. Regan for coming to see me today. Because of you, I will not die. I learned a lot of cool safe tips from you today. And I am going to tell my sister! Thank you for making the time to come see me." Thoughtful cards from students really make you realize – you do make a difference. In our rural counties – many children do not have a fire home escape plan and do not wear a bicycle helmet. After fitting helmets in Levy county at a local elementary school, one student commented, "You mean I can keep this helmet? It is mine? Wow – my first helmet!" This student was 10 years old. Safe Kids loves making a difference!

Safe Kids North Central Florida would like to thank all their community partners and volunteers for helping us in 2008 and to partnering with us to reach so many children. Together we can make a difference!

Sincerely,
Debora Regan, Director

Here is what Safe Kids North Central Florida did for 2008 for the eight counties we serve:

• 131 community events
• 132 CPS/Occupant Protection events
• 487 car seats provided
• 96 car seat classes held
• 993 individuals served through car seat activities (includes 0-14 plus teen drivers)
• 206 special needs car seats provided
• 3,469 bike helmets distributed/fitted
• 58,051 children educated through classroom education and community events
• 100,087 FDOT specialty items distributed.

Other educational programs provided to our counties:

ATV Safety Workshops and Education, Poison Prevention, Sport Related Injuries, Traumatic Injury Awareness, Burns and Scalds, Choking/Suffocation, Falls Home Safety, Safety around vehicles, School Bus Safety, Playground Safety, EMS Education Gun Safety, Fireworks Safety, Back to School Safety, Pedestrian Safety, and Toy Safety (lead recalls included).