The Family Resource Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center has partnered with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to offer a car seat distribution program to their Healthy Families and First Steps participants.

Healthy Families offers parents and children free home visits from highly trained support specialists. Information on healthy pregnancy and bonding with one’s baby, along with developmental screenings and connection to community resources are provided. Now, thanks to the Governor’s Office grant, the Healthy Families team can offer free safety seats and supporting education to help keep children safe inside their family’s vehicles too.

Recipients must be currently enrolled in the YRMC Healthy Families program and meet certain requirements, such as having a vehicle with working seat belts and attending a child safety seat class. Those not enrolled in either program will be looked at on a case by case basis and could also be referred to other community resources providing this service. The classes are taught by nationally certified Child Passenger Safety technicians.

Upon successful completion of the child safety seat class, parents will receive one car or booster seat, depending on their needs. Parents are given time to install their new seats, using the information they have learned, and the seats are then checked by the class instructor to ensure proper installation.

Keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle is one of the most important jobs that parents have. YRMC’s Healthy Families and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety have just made it easier for many of our families in the Quad City area. For more information, please call Candace at the Family Resource Center at (928) 771-5651. 

“These visitation restrictions are temporary. They will be lifted when the flu season ends,” Nicol said. “We very much appreciate the support of the community as we strive to protect patients from this virus.”

Understanding the Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. Flu complications can lead to hospitalization and even death. Flu can be particularly dangerous for older people, young children and people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Healthy individuals with no chronic medical conditions may suffer from complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, ear infections or sinus infections that require additional medical treatment.

RSV is another infection of the lungs and respiratory tract that can be particularly severe in premature babies and infants with underlying health conditions. RSV can also become serious in older adults, adults with heart and lung diseases, or anyone with a very weak immune system.

Protecting Yourself from the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. Here are other tips to reduce your chances of getting the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, if soap and water are not available.
•  Avoid close contact with people who are ill with the flu.
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects to keep them as germ-free as possible.