OVERVIEW OF COALITION:

MISSION: To decrease the mortality and morbidity rate in children, ages 0-19, by reducing unintentional injuries.

Safe Kids Elkhart County board

            The board consists of 16 community representatives and professionals.  There are currently ten board members who meet every other month at the Public Service Building, Dunlap. General Membership meetings are open to all members of Safe Kids Elkhart County, and members of the public, and are also held at the Dunlap Public Service Building unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming Events

Drive Rite Workshops
Safe Driving Program for teens and parents
To register call Pam Brock 574.523.2216

Safe Kids Elkhart County Officers

Nanette Lambright, President
Shelly Steury,VP
Becky Goehring,Treasurer                                                          

Safe Kids Elkhart County Coordinator
Hollie Lambert,
Elkhart County Health Department-Health Education
phone:  523-2112    fax: 523-2158
e-mail: hlambert@elkhartcountyhealth.org

  Safe Kids Elkhart County Project Teams

Wheel  Safety
Perry Haimes
     The committee  participates in bike-related community activities to encourage the use of protective equipment, provide information regarding state and local laws, and enforce riders to learn safe riding habits.

Elkhart County Drive Rite
Pam Brock,
Purdue Extension Office
phone: 523-2216     fax: 523-2214
            The Drive Rite committee has adopted a new title in an effort to expand their mission.  In addition to encouraging others to use safety belts, they will focus efforts on teaching teens to develop other safe driving and passenger habits.  

Child Passenger Safety
Hollie Lambert,
Elkhart County Health Department-Health Education
phone: 523-2112     fax: 523-2158
            This committee is attended by certified car seat technicians and other volunteers who provide education and assistance to parents using child safety seats.   

Fire Prevention
            With the help of local fire departments and volunteers, this committee offers home safety checks to community residents.  The program stresses the importance of monthly smoke detector checks, fire evacuation plans, and annual fire drills.  Committee members also provide low-income residents with smoke detectors and batteries and promote fire prevention at community health fairs.

.Media and Advocacy
            It is this committee who prepares a media contact list, press kits, and hosts safety press conferences.  Members also work on advocacy issues important to the community.

Membership
            Committee members prepare a slate for board members and officers prior to the annual election.  The membership team will also assist committees in finding new members as requested.  It is their mission to expand agency, business, professional, and community involvement within the coalition.  The membership committee organizes a summer celebration every five years.  In 2006, Safe Kids Elkhart County celebrated their 15th anniversary!   

 Special Events
 Safe Kids Week
 Amish Safety Events
 Elkhart General Hospital Women and Children's Fair
 4-H day Camp
 Kid's Day Safety Treasure Hunt (Elkhart County 4-H Fair)
 Concord Mall Baby Fair

Sports Injury Prevention
Data Collection
In addition, the coalition offers several displays and a variety of literature to the public.  Subjects include, but are not limited to: Water Safety, Toy Safety,
Poison Look-A-Like, Farm Safety, Home Safety, Safety at Grandma's, Railroad Safety, Sports Injury Prevention, and Home Alone.