Office of Traffic Safety awards $127,918 grant to the Department of Health Services for child safety seat education program

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its efforts in educating parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety seats and making sure every child travels safely. The grant program runs through September 2026.

"We are thrilled to receive this grant to support our child safety seat education program,” said Amelyn Olson, Public Health division director. “Proper use of child car seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. With this funding, we can provide hands-on training, resources and support so that every family has the knowledge and tools to keep their children safe."

Grant funds will be used for education classes, distribution of child safety seats, and training on the installation and use of child safety seats. The car seat safety program includes:

• Child safety seat inspection events and education classes.
• Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training courses.
• Partnering with local clinics to distribute child safety seats at no cost to families in need.

"Through child passenger safety programs and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where every child is protected on California’s roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By supporting projects that help families learn the importance of properly using car seats and boosters, we are building a culture where child safety is always the priority."

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Media Contact:   
Sheri Cardo, DHS Communications Specialist
sheri.cardo@sonomacounty.gov 
(707) 565-8619