Safe Kids Oconto County, a coalition of community members whose lead agency is Oconto County Public Health, is delighted to announce that a $2,500 grant from the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation will help address youth ATV safety in Oconto County. Safe Kids Oconto County works to prevent unintentional injuries among children and works closely with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in promoting community based prevention activities.
Safe Kids Oconto County will use the monies to work collaboratively with local powersports dealerships, ATV safety instructors and trail ambassadors in the northern portion of the county, and DNR wardens who patrol the trail to promote safe helmet use. The goal of the program is to help make safety more affordable for families while also helping new riders to enjoy the outdoors with proper protection. This project will help to foster a caring relationship between new and experienced riders on the trail and help promote the benefits of enjoying a sport safely and shopping locally.
“This project is the first of its kind for a Safe Kids coalition in our state and could be replicated elsewhere. We are very thankful for the support we have received from the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation to help bring a variety of people together for the betterment of our rural county”, stated Mary Rosner, Safe Kids Oconto County Coordinator and Public Health Nurse. “This funding has allowed us to establish relationships with community members in the outlying parts of our county that have a passion for the safety of children. We know helmet use can reduce the risk of severe brain injury by 88%. This funding will help prevent life changing injuries in our youth.”
For more information about Safe Kids Oconto County contact Mary Rosner at 920-834-7000 or mary.rosner@ocontocountwi.gov.
