#USA #Mesa #Child Safety #Banner Health #Hyundai Hope

Hyundai Enhances Child Passenger Safety in Arizona

Hyundai Motor America is stepping up its commitment to child safety through a new partnership with Banner Children's at Desert in Mesa, Arizona. Recently, the firm announced a generous donation of $25,000 to support Banner Children's Injury Prevention program. This initiative is particularly designed to boost child passenger safety education while offering invaluable resources to local families.

The collaboration is a significant addition to Hyundai's broader corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai Hope. This program is rooted in the principle of Progress for Humanity, which emphasizes societal health and safety. The funding provided will not only enhance educational aspects but also facilitate free onsite safety seat checks and installations for families within the community.

During the recent ceremonial check presentation on May 8, 2025, Hyundai representatives, including Brandon Ramirez, the director of corporate social responsibility at Hyundai Motor North America, and Banner Children's officials, expressed gratitude and commitment towards ensuring safer travel for children in the area.

“Hyundai is dedicated to more than just the safety of our vehicles; we are committed to the wellbeing of families and children within our communities,” states Cole Stutz, Hyundai's chief safety officer. This sentiment highlights the company's goal to improve the overall safety awareness that can have a significant impact when it comes to preventing injuries among young passengers.

Importance of Child Passenger Safety

Research indicates that utilizing safety seats appropriately can be a game changer, substantially lowering the risks of severe injuries during travel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the right use of safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by as much as 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Furthermore, recent federal regulations have been established aimed at enhancing the usability and safety features of these seats, thus encouraging families to adopt best-practice measures.

Unfortunately, many families face difficulties in acquiring the proper safety seats for their children. This often leads to the use of expired or recalled seats that do not provide adequate protection. Addressing this issue, programs dedicated to educating families about these new standards are essential in promoting safe travel practices.

Dr. Rahul Chawla, a pediatric intensivist involved with Banner Children's, remarked, “We are so grateful to Hyundai for this generous support of our Car Seat Safety program. This initiative allows us to not only provide injury prevention education but also distribute car seats and ensure families are equipped with the knowledge for proper installation. This funding will significantly enhance our commitment to child safety at Banner.”

What the Funding Will Achieve

The funds allocated will be directly used to purchase new car seats to be distributed through the child passenger safety program. This is part of the broader Banner Children's Injury Prevention effort, which aims to educate families on the risks of preventable injuries and fatalities among children and guide them in taking proactive steps.

The program works with schools, community groups, and health fairs to disseminate vital safety information in an accessible manner to families. Importantly, it also covers infants and children of all ages.

About Banner Children’s

Banner Children's at Desert offers a comprehensive range of pediatric services, which include immediate access to Level I trauma services, emergency care, and specialized facilities such as a Level III neonatal intensive care unit. This partnership exemplifies how vital collaboration can reinforce community health and safety efforts especially geared toward the younger population in Arizona.

Furthering Community Engagement

In light of this new partnership, Hyundai Motor America continues to solidify its presence and commitment in enhancing community wellbeing. By investing in initiatives that safeguard children, the company reinforces its pledge to contribute positively to society.

To learn more about the initiatives of Banner Children's or Hyundai Motor America's various community programs, visit their respective websites for updates and information.

In summary, partnerships like these are crucial in fostering a culture of safety, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community. Hyundai's proactive approach, alongside Banner Children's expertise, is a beacon of hope for safety on our roads.