Office of Traffic Safety Awards $276,000 Grant to the County of Monterey’s Health Department for Child Safety Seat Education Program

 

The County of Monterey Health Department announced on December 10 that they received a $276,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Funding will be used to inform parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety seats and traveling safely.

 

"We are thrilled to receive this grant to support our child safety seat education program,” said Public Health Program Manager Christabelle Oropeza. “Proper use of child car seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. With this funding, we can provide hands-on training, resources, and support so that every family has the knowledge and tools needed to keep their children safe."

 

Grant funds will be used to provide the community with car seat safety program services, which include:

    Child safety seat inspection events and education classes.

    Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and recertification courses.

    No-cost child safety seats for families in need.

The Health Department will also partner with local organizations on car seat safety outreach and education events in underserved communities. The grant program runs through September 2025.

 

For more information about the California Office of Traffic Safety, please visit https://www.ots.ca.gov/.  For more information about car seat safety, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s child passenger safety website at https://www.cdc.gov/child-passenger-safety/about/index.html.