The Tioga County Public Health Department has announced it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Floyd Hooker Foundation to support two important childhood injury\u2011prevention initiatives.
The grants will fund the long\u2011standing Child Passenger Safety Program and the newly launched \u201cHelmet First, Ride Second\u201d Bicycle Helmet Program for children.
Funding from the Floyd Hooker Foundation will help purchase child safety seats and bicycle helmets to support the educational and operational needs of both programs.
For decades, the Child Passenger Safety Program has provided evidence\u2011based education, individualized car seat fittings, and certified child passenger safety seats to families in need throughout Tioga County.
In 2025, approximately 75 percent of car seats inspected through the program were found to be installed incorrectly, highlighting the continued need for hands\u2011on education and support from Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
The new \u201cHelmet First, Ride Second\u201d Bicycle Helmet Program expands Tioga County Public Health\u2019s injury\u2011prevention efforts by providing bicycle helmet education, professional helmet fittings, and no\u2011cost bicycle helmets for children ages 14 and younger, helping reduce preventable bicycle\u2011related injuries and promote safe riding habits.
Wearing a properly fitted helmet greatly reduces the risk of head injuries in children\u2014injuries that can be fatal or lead to long\u2011lasting developmental, cognitive, or physical effects\u2014making early helmet use a critical part of keeping kids safe.
“Tioga County Public Health would like to thank the Floyd Hooker Foundation for their continued support of our work educating children and families throughout Tioga County and for partnering with us to help keep our community\u2019s children safe,” a press release said.
Keep an eye out on the health department’s website and social media for the official launching of the new \u201cHelmet First, Ride Second\u201d Bicycle Program for additional details.
For more information about the Child Passenger Safety Program or to schedule a car seat appointment, contact Tioga County Public Health at 607\u2011687\u20118600 or visit ph.tiogacountyny.gov.<\/p>\n