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Hyundai and UCI Health: A Partnership for Child Passenger Safety

In a significant effort to enhance child passenger safety, Hyundai Motor America has collaborated with UCI Health, a leading academic health system in California. As part of this partnership, Hyundai has committed a generous donation of $25,000 to bolster UCI Health's Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Car Seat Safety Program. This initiative aims to provide vital education and resources to families across Orange County, ensuring that every child can travel safely.

The partnership was inaugurated with a well-attended event at the UCI Health Family Health Center in Anaheim, California. This significant gathering featured certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who offered free inspections and educational sessions for caregivers. The aim was not only to educate but also to check the installation of car seats, expiration dates, and any manufacturer recalls. Families were given replacements for any outdated or unsafe car seats, further promoting the event's mission to ensure child safety.

Cole Stutz, chief safety officer for Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized the shared responsibility of safety, stating, "Safety is a responsibility we all share. We’re proud to work alongside UCI Health to impact Orange County, where our North American headquarters is located. Together, we're helping families gain the knowledge and confidence they need to keep their children protected on every journey."

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal the critical importance of car seats in preventing fatalities. The proper use of car seats can lower the risk of lethal injuries by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Despite these alarming figures, nearly half of all car seats are incorrectly installed, reiterating the need for thorough education and safety checks.

During the safety event, Stutz’s remarks echoed the collective commitment to community health. "We’re grateful to Hyundai for making this essential work possible," stated Laurie Johnson, vice president of ambulatory care at UCI Health. The overarching belief is that every child deserves the right to travel securely, independent of the family's economic status or background. Hyundai's involvement is crucial in reaching a broader audience, providing hands-on education that can ultimately prevent injuries and save lives.

Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health services a vast population covering Orange County, along with parts of western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. With Hyundai’s funding, UCI Health plans to augment its educational outreach and improve accessibility to child passenger safety resources for families throughout Southern California.

This initiative is not Hyundai's first foray into health partnerships within the community. Previously, a donation facilitated the improvement of diabetes services at UCI Health's Family Health Centers located in Anaheim and Santa Ana. This endeavor created new opportunities for diabetic patients, including eye exams and a peer-to-peer education series on diabetes management.

Hyundai’s community involvement is part of its Hyundai Hope initiative, emphasizing the company’s commitment to societal well-being. The program is designed to support nonprofit organizations focused on health and safety, ultimately fostering community growth. For more information about Hyundai Hope, visit www.hyundaihope.com.

Hyundai Motor America continues to provide a technology-forward lineup of vehicles across the U.S., fully supporting its vision of Progress for Humanity. With significant operations established, including its North American headquarters, manufacturing plant in Alabama, and the recently opened Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant in America, the company significantly contributes to the local economy, supporting a vast number of jobs. For further details, explore www.hyundainews.com.