Margaret Mary Community Hospital - Bicycle Helmet Program

What is it?

Margaret Mary Community Hospital offers bicycle helmets to the public for $5.00 each. The helmets are Snell qualified and cost the hospital $5.45 each plus shipping. Margaret Mary pays for the shipping cost and sells the helmets at cost to ensure that even families with limited incomes can still provide the valuable safety device. The Bicycle Helmet Program complements the hospital's elementary school outreach program, which teaches the message “Use Your Head, Wear a Helmet.” As part of the program, every spring hospital representatives visit local elementary schools to emphasize the importance of bicycle safety, including bicycle rules of the road, general bicycle safety, and the importance of wearing a helmet and wearing it correctly.

The Bicycle Helmet Program is promoted in elementary school outreach, as well as throughout the community. Individuals and families may purchase the helmets at the hospital, where a hospital representative assists them in selecting the correct helmet and fitting it appropriately. In addition to the helmets, the hospital also purchases booster seats from the same vendor. The seats are sold at cost for $10 each.

Who is it for?

Anyone may participate in the Bicycle Helmet Program. Helmets are available in all sizes (infant through adult), and are available regardless of income.

Why do they do it?

Every year thousands of children are injured in bicycle-related accidents. Prior to establishing the program in Batesville, several youths in the community were involved in accidents without helmets. In this rural community, Margaret Mary wants to promote bicycle safety while making sure cost is not an obstacle for any family.

Impact

Margaret Mary sells hundreds of helmets annually through the program.

Contact: Ashley Morris
Community Health Improvement Assistant
Telephone: 812-933-5257
E-mail: ashley.morris@mmch.org