October 5, 2009 — Cibola General Hospital strives to bring needed services to our community – one of which is a car seat program sponsored by the Safer New Mexico Now. Cibola General Hospital has participated in the New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program (NMCSSDP) for several years. This program is funded by the New Mexico Department of Transportation, Traffic Safety Bureau and is administered by Safer New Mexico Now.

Motor vehicle-related injuries remain the leading cause of death for children over one year of age. Using child safety seats decreases the risk of death by an estimated 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for older children. It has been shown that child safety seat distribution programs increase child safety seat use rates. With 25% of children living below the poverty line in New Mexico, this program helps protect our most vulnerable population.

Cibola General Hospital provides car seats, if needed, to newborn infants at discharge. Eligibility depends on income guidelines provided by Safer New Mexico Now.

In order to participate in the program, Cibola General Hospital has to send staff to a technician training. The training is a 4-day course with a written exam and hands-on testing required before certification is possible. This intensive course gives participants the tools to help the public in selecting and installing the proper car seat for their situation. Certification is national and renewable every two years. Currently the following hospital staff members are certified: Antoinette Sanchez, Sherry Cruz, Toni Marez, Stephanie Wiest-Cooper, and Carmen Gutierrez.

Currently, there are approximately 40 healthcare and social service agencies statewide that participate in this program. The NMCSSDP has distributed over 10,000 child safety seats to low income families since its inception in 2004.

For more information and a list of safety seat clinic locations contact Safer New Mexico Now at (505) 471-3965.