Hennepin Health Foundation Bike Bonanza includes bike helmets for families from Toys R Us Children’s Fund

Close to 60 families will receive free bike helmets at the Hennepin Health Foundation’s Bike Bonanza on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, at the Elliott Community Center 1000 E. 14th Street, Minneapolis. The helmets are being made possible by a donation from the Toys R Us Children’s Fund to the Injury Free Coalition for Kids. 

The Bike Bonanza is being hosted by Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) and Taking Steps Together (TST), a nutrition and healthy lifestyle program for families living with or concerned about childhood obesity. “It is important to get kids out and moving on their bikes or skate boards, but they need to be safe while having fun,“ Julie Philbrook, RN Program Director of Injury Free at Hennepin County Medical Center said. ”By collaborating with TST and their event sponsors we can accomplish both goals,” In addition to teaching kids and their families the proper way to fit a helmet, the Bike Bonanza includes a bike safety training course.

Injury Free Minneapolis is one of 10 Injury Free Sites across the country that received a small grant to help families in need. “We are so happy to be able to partner with the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund,” said Dr. Barbara Barlow, the Founder and Director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids. “We are really concerned about making a difference and we know this is the kind of project that will.” 

The Injury Free Coalition for Kids is among the country’s fastest growing and most effective injury prevention programs. It is comprised of hospital-based, community-oriented programs, whose efforts are anchored in research, education, and advocacy. Currently, the coalition includes 42 sites located in 40 cities, each housed in the trauma centers of their participating institutions.

Hennepin County Medical Center was Minnesota’s first Level 1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center. The public teaching hospital is repeatedly recognized as one of America’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. The centerpiece of Hennepin County’s clinical health services, Hennepin County Medical Center offers a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient pediatric care.

The Hennepin County Medical Center, Taking Steps Together Program  TST is a nutrition and healthy lifestyle education program for families who are living with or are concerned about childhood obesity. Through weekly goal-setting, families will work toward healthy lifestyle changes. Families will share their experiences, learn from each other and contribute to the growth of the program. Families are referred by their primary care provider within the HCMC system. Classes are facilitated by pediatric and nutrition health professionals in English and Spanish.

CONTACT: Julie Philbrook, RN Trauma Prevention Specialist Hennepin County Medical Center 612-873-8500, pager 612-336-0427, [email protected]