CLARKSTON, WA – TriState Health’s Trauma Injury Prevention Program has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Clearwater Paper to supply car seats to families facing financial hardship. The funding aims to improve child passenger safety by ensuring families have access to properly fitted car seats.

Each year, thousands of children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes. Experts stress that proper use of car seats dramatically reduces these risks, but with so many types on the market, many parents struggle to find the right fit.

“Based on a child’s height and weight, different car seats may be needed throughout their growth,” said Michelle Schmidt, Trauma, Cardiac, and Stroke Program Manager at TriState Health. “We have selected a car seat that will accommodate a child for several years.”

To distribute the car seats, TriState Health is partnering with the Lewis-Clark Early Childhood Program. Families experiencing financial hardship who need assistance acquiring an appropriate seat are encouraged to reach out to the program for more information.

The Trauma Injury Prevention Program focuses on community education and reducing trauma-related injuries that can lead to disability or death. It also provides support to families in need, giving them the tools to reduce health and safety risks.

TriState Health, a community-owned acute care facility in Clarkston since 1955, serves an eight-county region across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The organization is the largest employer in Asotin County and has received numerous awards for excellence in health care service.