“Car Seat Guy” receives grant to host car seat certification class at Genesee Health Plan

June 4, 2019


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Shannon Ciszek, Communications Coordinator
Genesee Health Plan
Phone: 810.232.7740 ext. 245
Email: sciszek@countyhealthplans.org

Grant will be used to increase certified car seat technicians in Genesee County, which is classified as a high-risk region
for child passenger safety

FLINT – The Genesee Health Plan (GHP) announced today it is hosting a four-day car seat technician certification training this week by Lew Moquin – “The Car Seat Guy” – who received a grant from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning with a goal of increasing the number of certified technicians in Genesee County.  In 2017, Genesee County was ranked fourth in Michigan for the highest number of unrestrained serious or fatal (KAB) injuries for children age 15 and under, with 43.

“It seems like such a simple thing, but if you don’t know how to properly install a car seat, the outcomes can be devastating,” said Moquin, Mott Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Specialist.  “The certification training will allow us to have more technicians available to help families stay safe, which will decrease the number of child related deaths and injuries due to unrestrained children and car seat misuse.”

Since 2017, Mott Children’s Hospital, Genesee County Community Action Resource Department (GCCARD) and GHP have teamed up to offer a monthly community car seat check and installation station for Genesee County residents at the GHP office.  Through this ongoing initiative and with the help of many volunteers, more than 500 car seat checks have been conducted and 300 car seats have been provided for children and expecting parents in need.  The certification training will expand the number of instructors in Genesee County so the program can help even more families use their car seats correctly.

The state grant covers training and certification fees for participants, who will be trained on how to properly secure a child and install a car seat in a vehicle. The training will also equip participants with the knowledge on how to educate parents and caregivers on how to properly select a car seat, including transitioning to next steps.

The final day of the training on Saturday, June 8 will conclude with a car seat safety check at the Genesee Health Plan office located at 2171 S. Linden Road, Flint, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Community members in need of a car seat check must call the Mott Buckle Up program at 734.763.2251 to schedule an appointment.  Replacement car seats may be available for those who qualify.

“Proper passenger safety will help prevent harm or injury for an adult or child,” said Jim Milanowski, GHP President and CEO.  “Our focus at GHP is to prevent health problems before they occur, and we’re proud to partner with GCCARD and Mott Children’s Hospital the past two years to host monthly car seat checks because it aligns with our mission to ensure the health and safety of our community members.”

Lew Moquin-“The Car Seat Guy”-installs 100th car seat at Genesee Health Plan on Nov 16, 2017.

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