CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Families in Citrus County have a new line of defense for their youngest passengers following a significant expansion of the local health department’s safety initiatives. The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) recently bolstered its team of experts, certifying three Healthy Start staff members as National Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
This move comes after a rigorous “car seat boot camp” held during the first week of January, where a fourth staffer also observed the training to prepare for a future role as a technician trainer.
The push for better installation isn’t just a routine update; it’s a response to a troubling trend in local data. According to FLHealthCHARTS, the rate of hospitalizations for children aged 1 to 5 involved in motor vehicle accidents more than doubled in Citrus County between 2019 and 2023. This spike has placed a renewed focus on the life-saving potential of a properly secured seat.
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To help parents navigate the often-confusing world of clips, straps, and tethers, DOH-Citrus is now hosting free car seat checks twice a month.
During these sessions, the newly certified technicians work one-on-one with caregivers to demonstrate how to install seats based on a child’s specific age, height, and weight. They also provide tailored tips to ensure every trip is as safe as possible.
Those looking to get their setup verified can visit the Florida Department of Health at 3700 W. Sovereign Path in Lecanto. The sessions are held on the second Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate working schedules.
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