Our children are the future and we need to protect them. One way to prevent injuries and save lives is by putting a helmet on their head during skate boarding or bicycling.

In May we partnered up with several groups to put on a bike rodeo at the farmers market. Despite the rain, approximately 50 children showed up and went through the course and received a free helmet.

We are trying this again on Saturday at the skate park on Fourth and Etna streets with a bike rodeo and skate boarding event.

Sponsoring groups are the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Ironton Police Department, Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship, Dickess Auto Repair, Advance Auto Parts, Friends of Ironton and the Ironton City Health Department.

The event is from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Guest speaker is Matt Herbert from St. Mary’s Medical Center’s safety and prevention program. There will be a bike rodeo and skate boarding safety tips, with free helmets while supplies last. Light refreshments will be provided. Please come bring your child their bike or skate board and join the fun.

Universal use of helmets by children ages 4 to 15 years of age could prevent between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually. Children model after their parents, so adults put a helmet on your head and wear it proudly.

Come join us, bring your child, their bike or skate board and see how much fun safety awareness can be.

 

Laura Brown

RN/Health Commissioner

Ironton Health Department