In an effort to ramp up child safety within the community, Rice County Public Health is staging a car seat clinic slated for May 19 at the Northfield Community Action Center, from the scarcely convenient hours of 4-6 p.m. They’re teaming up with the center to ensure your little ones aren’t bouncing around in the backseat like a loose grocery bag. The event offers parents and guardians a chance to get their car seats inspected and installed correctly, because let's face it, those instruction manuals might as well be in ancient hieroglyphics.
While the technicians at the clinic, certified in child passenger safety, will provide their expertise at no cost, the real scoop is that they might also hook you up with a free car seat—if you're in luck and your child is indeed growing like a weed, swiftly outgrowing their current one. According to Rice County Public Health’s recent announcement, folks seeking this pro bono safety service can either call ahead for an appointment or simply drive up to the location on the day of the event, following the signs to the promised land of car seat security.
Here's the deal: appointments can be made by contacting Ilwad Salex at 507-333-3818 or via email at [email protected]. Itching for immediate gratification? Just show up on Monday, May 19, any time between 4 and 6 p.m., at the Northfield Community Action Center located at 1651 Jefferson Parkway. No RSVP, no problem—just be prepared for potentially a bit of a wait in the queue.
Rice County Public Health isn’t just tossing car seats at people haphazardly; they're on a mission "to protect, promote and improve the health of ALL individuals and families in our community." And yes, that includes your tiny tot who has an uncanny ability to slither out of their car seat straps like an escape artist. But don't just take my word for it—Ilwad Salex, a Health Educator for Rice County Public Health—and a point of contact for the event—can surely elaborate on their community-focused mission, which the department's director, Deb Purfeerst, is also ready to discuss, should you insist on dialing another number (507-332-5914 to be exact).
