Richmond, Henrico health officials urge parents to prioritize car seat safety

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are riding safely in the car.

Health officials announced in a release Wednesday that they are encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are riding safely by choosing the right car seat and installing it correctly.

According to a Sept. 24 release, RHHD Community Health Workers (CHWs) lead several classes at local resource centers every month. This is reportedly part of the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Low Income Safety Seat Program.

RHHD said this program offers brand-new car seats and education to income-qualified families.

“The car seat safety program helps families ensure that all children are safe during a car ride,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Worker Senior Yovaldi Lamoutt. “The car seat safety program provides families with a brand-new car seat and teaches parents and caregivers how to [properly] install it.”

According to Brianna Russell, the nurse manager, UVA Health has identified six non-compliant car seats over the last few months, with many highlighting the potential dangers of using non-compliant car seats for their children. Officials said many parents and guardians are actually purchasing them unintentionally.

VDH hosts regular safety seat check events and offers remote service by request, and most recently, Henrico held a pop-up car seat safety event.

Many locations throughout the country will be offering free car seat inspections by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians on National Seat Check Saturday on Saturday, Sept. 27.

To find an event or technician, click here.

For more information, you are urged to call 800-732-8333.