September 19, 2016
NORTON, Kan. – The Norton Medical Clinic is offering its third annual Car Seat Check Lane on Friday, Sept. 30, at the Norton Medical Clinic parking lot. The free event will be hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. Clinic staff who are certified child passenger safety technicians will be performing the checks. Joining the clinic staff will be Norton County EMS, as well as local fire and law enforcement officials, who will be on hand to visit with participants and offer entertainment for children.
Sept. 18-24 is Child Passenger Safety Week, which aims to bring awareness to car seat safety. Car crashes are a leading cause of death among children 1 to 13 years old, according to Traffic Safety Marketing. Proper use of car seats, boosters and seat belts can prevent many injuries and even deaths. Providing safety information and car seat instructions to parents and caregivers is important in saving young lives.
Each fall, the Norton County Hospital and Norton Medical Clinic chooses to recognize the importance of car seats, and ensure they are safe and secure to protect children. Cami Cornelius, a certified nursing assistant and certified child passenger safety technician at the Norton Medical Clinic, said the check lane is a vital resource that could benefit many people.
“Anyone who has a child, takes care of a child or babysits a child – including parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles – is welcome to attend,” Cornelius said. “Expectant mothers often have a lot of questions we can answer at the check lane, simple questions such as ‘Is the chest clip in the right place?’ and ‘Can I turn my child forward-facing yet?’”
Cornelius encourages participants to show up at the event with a car seat and the owner’s manual for their vehicle, which often helps with proper installation. She said in past years for the checks, nine times out of 10 the technician will have to take the seat out and reinstall it properly. The technician can also check if the car seat has any recalls.
There is no need to RSVP for the event, and refreshments will be provided. Another feature of the event is giveaways. The grand prize giveaway is a photo mini-session from Hot Shots! Photography in Norton, valued at $75. To enter, participants of the check lane must attend the event and answer this question: What type of after-market product is allowed to be used with an infant car seat?
Participants can enter to win other prizes at the event as well, one being a convertible car seat. Organizers will do the drawing after the event, and winners will be notified. There is no need to be present at the drawing to win. Prize donations acquired thus far have been provided by the following Norton businesses: Kowpoke Supply & Lumber, Hushed Salon & Boutique, and Back in Balance Massage with Charla Sprigg, certified massage therapist.
Those interested in getting a car seat checked but cannot make the Sept. 30 event should call the Norton County Hospital at 785-877-3351 and ask to schedule an appointment with one of the certified child passenger safety technicians, who include Cornelius, as well as Klare Givens, registered nurse; and Angie Annon, licensed practical nurse.
For more information about the Norton County Hospital and Norton Medical Clinic, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/nortoncountyhosp or the website at www.ntcohosp.com.
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