Hyundai and Nicklaus Children's Hospital Partner for Enhanced Child Safety in South Florida
In a strong example of corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor America has stepped up to enhance child passenger safety by donating $25,000 to Nicklaus Children's Hospital. This initiative is part of Hyundai's ongoing commitment, known as Hyundai Hope, which aims to uplift community health and safety. This latest donation will allow Nicklaus Children's Hospital to increase its child passenger safety education efforts, providing additional free onsite car seat safety checks and installations for families in need.
During the previous year, this collaboration proved highly effective, having provided nearly 120 free car seat safety inspections and distributed over 100 car seats to families who could not afford them. As the trauma caused by vehicle accidents can be devastating, the statistics reveal that using car seats correctly can significantly reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from car crashes. Yet, many parents are unaware of the proper usage of these crucial safety devices or struggle to access suitable car seats, often relying on outdated or recalled models. Programs like the one offered at Nicklaus Children's Hospital play a pivotal role in educating parents and providing the necessary resources to protect their children effectively.
"Ensuring children's safety during travel extends beyond just sophisticated vehicle technology; it requires a concerted community effort, education, and awareness," remarked Cole Stutz, Hyundai's Chief Safety Officer. "We are proud to work alongside Nicklaus Children's Hospital in equipping families with the essential tools to protect our youngest travelers."
Nicklaus Children's Hospital positions itself as the primary authority on child safety and injury prevention in South Florida, making its mission clear: the safety of all children is paramount. Malvina Duncan, the community outreach injury prevention coordinator at Nicklaus Children's, expressed gratitude for Hyundai's commitment, stating that this partnership significantly enhances the capacity to provide education and resources tailored to meet children's needs. This effort guarantees that children in the region are equipped with the best tools and information to be safe on the roads.
Notably, Nicklaus Children's Hospital leads the SAFE KIDS Coalition in Miami-Dade County, where it implements various programs aimed at eliminating childhood injuries within the community. The Car Seat Safety Program at the hospital is comprehensive, offering free car seat checks and installations, and also catering to children with special needs by providing specialized car seats. Each year, the program conducts installations and checks on approximately 225 car seats and educates over 500 caregivers regarding vital topics such as vehicular heatstroke and rollover prevention.
Since its partnership began with Hyundai Hope in 2024, the hospital has expanded its outreach through community events, delivering over 100 additional car seat checks annually. This remarkable progress on the healthcare front is not just about installations; it's a holistic approach to community education and safety driven by collaborative efforts.
Nicklaus Children's Hospital stands out as South Florida's top nonprofit, specialty hospital dedicated exclusively to children. It encompasses a diverse network of over 850 physicians, including more than 500 pediatric subspecialists, and serves a large majority of the young population in the Miami area. The facility boasts cutting-edge advancements, including the Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower and various centers of excellence in pediatric care. Its dedicated transfer services are responsible for saving approximately 5,000 lives each year, demonstrating its crucial role in the health ecosystem.
Hyundai Motor America, on the other hand, remains committed to making a positive impact on society while offering a comprehensive range of vehicles equipped with advanced technologies. Their efforts go beyond product offerings to actively contribute to the welfare of their community through initiatives like Hyundai Hope. The organization espouses a vision of Progress for Humanity, supporting nonprofit organizations that foster community growth and enhance public health and safety.
As the partnership between Hyundai and Nicklaus Children's Hospital continues to flourish, the community can look forward to a safer environment for children traveling on the roads. Such cross-sector collaborations underscore the importance of social responsibility and community involvement, proving that collective efforts can lead to meaningful changes in society’s health and safety landscape.