Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105181

Juana Renteria, MPH, RHIA¹, Gema Morales-Meyer, RN, MSN/MPH², and Tonia Fogel, RN, BSN². (1) LAC-DHS, Public Health Programs and Services, Whittier Health Center, 7643 S. Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90602, (2) LAC-DHS, Public Health Programs and Services, Public Health Nursing, Whittier Health Center, 7643 S. Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90602, 562-464-5384, tfogel@ladhs.org

Implementation of car seat safety laws in California have saved many lives and has increased the use of car seats in children ages 0 to 5 to 86.6% in 2003. Despite this law, motor vehicle injuries remain the leading cause of death for children under 15 years old. In 2002, 45% of children ages 0 to 5 that were killed in motor vehicle crashes were unrestrained.

Over the years, safety seats have become safer, more comfortable and easier to use, however they have also become more expensive. This can cause a hardship for many low income families and may be a reason for not using a car seat. Current research shows that low income, Latino and African Americans are at highest risk of not placing their children in appropriate restraints when riding in a vehicle.

The Car Seat Safety Program of Service Planning Area 7 (SPA 7) is an evidence based child injury prevention program that targets low income families in need of a car seat for their child. The short term goal is to educate caregivers on car seat safety law, correct size and installation, car seat safety tips and the distribution of a free car seat. The long term goal is to decrease car related injuries and deaths among children ages 0 to 5, in SPA 7 of Los Angeles County.

The Car Seat Safety Program demonstrates a collaboration in an interdisciplinary team effort by public health nursing and health education. The Public Health Nursing Practice Model will be used as a framework for community collaboration within a specific geographic area of Los Angeles County among community based organizations and public health.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to

• Identify populations at risk for having their children ride unrestrained in a vehicle.
• Describe an evidence based program aimed at child injury prevention
• Apply the Public Health Nursing Practice Model to building community partnerships and community collaboration.

Keywords: Injury Prevention, Children

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.