PHOENIX – According to the CDC, nonfatal bicycle-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of visits to emergency rooms in 2022. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics also indicates that bicycling was the second most frequent sport and recreation activity that led to emergency
department visits for children in 2022.

In an effort to keep kids safe and minimize these statistics, Phoenix Children’s Center for Family Health and Safety partnered with schools, local cities, nonprofits, and local fire and police departments to
provide education about correct helmet use to prevent bicycle, scooter, skateboard and ATV injuries. The hospital also aims to donate 1,370 helmets to students in need. This initiative is made possible by the
$13,700 grant awarded by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety during fiscal year 2024.

“Grants like this help us to continue our work of educating kids and families about preventable injuries,” Angelica Baker, Manager, Injury Prevention Department of Phoenix Children’s. “Our goal is to be proactive, to stop them from ever needing to come to the hospital for a bicycle injury, for example.”

With Phoenix Children’s involvement in the program, the team will conduct 10 bicycle and pedestrian safety outreach and education events, distribute 1,370 helmets to children in classrooms and at the hospital, and consult with a minimum of 50 families in the trauma center about safety on wheeled
equipment.

“We are very grateful that the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety takes this issue as seriously as we do.” said Steve Schnall, Phoenix Children’s Senior Vice President, and Chief Development Officer. “With more funds we can help more families and make a greater impact on our community.”

To learn more about the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s Helmet and Pedestrian Safety Program, please visit here.


About Phoenix Children’s Foundation

Phoenix Children’s Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering philanthropic support from individuals, families, organizations and corporate partners committed to Phoenix Children’s mission: to advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families. One of the nation’s leading pediatric health systems, Phoenix Children’s offers 170+ family-centered care programs that are fully or partially funded by philanthropy. There are many ways to give to Phoenix Children’s Foundation to invest in the health of children. Please visit https://givetopch.org for more information.