Aultman Hospital - Safety First Program

What is it?

Aultman Hospital prepares first-graders for a safe summer and lifetime of bicycle riding. In 2005, the first “Safety First” program began. Students are given a new bicycle helmet and a lesson on riding safely. Classes use an activity book to teach tips such as arm signals, which side of the road to ride on, what street and traffic signs mean, and much more. Today, the program meets with all first-grade classes at all public and private schools in Stark County and a few in the adjacent Carroll County.

Who is it for?

First-graders in area schools.

Why do they do it?

A report by the county health department showed that hundreds of area children were treated for wheeled-sports-related injuries (such as playing on a skateboard, bike, scooter, or rollerblades), and it was a leading cause of injury.

Impact

Aultman piloted the program for two years with six neighborhood schools and then expanded county-wide to some additional schools. More than 80 schools are visited annually, with more than 200 classes taught. Approximately 500 Aultman volunteers have taught classes and personally fitted approximately 5,200 boys and girls with new helmets.

Contact: Tiffany Pellegrene
Corporate Communications
Telephone: 330-363-5319
E-mail: tpellegrene@aultman.com