CHAMPAIGN – Parents and caregivers will have the chance to ensure their children are traveling safely when the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) hosts a car seat inspection event on Monday, September 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place in the north parking lot garage of CUPHD’s main office at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. No appointment is necessary.
Certified child passenger safety technicians and instructor–proxy technicians will provide complimentary guidance on the proper installation and use of car seats. Families can expect to spend about 30 minutes with a technician, who will check whether children are in the correct seat for their age and size, confirm proper installation, and encourage parents to register their car seats with the manufacturer to stay informed about recalls.
Although the event comes ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Child Passenger Safety Week, scheduled for September 21–27, organizers stress its importance. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children, and NHTSA research shows that 46 percent of car seats are misused. At CUPHD in 2024, 85 percent of inspected seats were found to be misused, with the most common issues being incorrect seat type and improper installation.
"Most parents do what they can but are still unsure," said Christina Ladage. "So, they may be surprised to find out their children aren't as secure as they think. We want to help caregivers ensure their children are safe."
For families unable to attend, CUPHD offers inspections on the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. These sessions require appointments, which can be scheduled by calling 217-353-4932. A list of additional inspection opportunities across the country can be found at NHTSA’s website.
To further support child passenger safety, CUPHD’s Maternal and Child Health division is holding a car seat donation drive. An Amazon wish list is available at a.co/8de7909, and donations may also be dropped off in person at the WIC window in the main office lobby. Donated seats will go to low-income families, along with hands-on guidance on proper installation.
CHAMPAIGN - Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will distribute free NARCAN® kits at a drive-thru event on August 30, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. as part of their recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The campaign's goal is to honor the many lives lost to drug overdose by raising awareness about the opioid crisis. CUPHD hopes that by distributing NARCAN® (naloxone) to community members, it will empower and help residents mitigate the impacts of this crisis.
NARCAN®, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the opiate receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids, allowing the individual to restore normal breathing and potentially save their life. NARCAN® is safe to use on someone who is unconscious, making it a crucial tool in overdose response. If a person is administered NARCAN® and is not overdosing on opioids, they will not be harmed.
Last year, CUPHD distributed 440 kits.
Kits can be obtained by driving to the south side of the CUPHD building located at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign. Look for the small shed where staff will be on hand to provide kits and answer questions.
The CUPHD states that opioid overdoses are a serious public health concern. "It is vital to take every opportunity to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those affected by this crisis," the health district said in announcing the upcoming drive. "Participating in initiatives like the NARCAN® distribution drive on International Overdose Awareness Day can save lives and foster a safer and healthier community."
CDC data shows that overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023. Scientists agree that the opioid epidemic started in the late 1990s when opioids were prescribed freely by doctors without concern for their addictive nature. The crisis skyrocketed due to the proliferation of illegal opioids like heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl alongside the already overprescribed volume available in communities nationwide.
By distributing NARCAN® kits for free, CUPHD equips the community with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively to opioid overdoses, ensuring that individuals are well-informed, capable advocates who can raise awareness about opioid overdose prevention.
