Safe Kids Coalition Honored

SPRINGFIELD – The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recently recognized Baystate Medical Center Children’s Hospital with its Outstanding Lead Organization award, presented during its annual national conference held Oct. 19-23 at the Capitol Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C.

The national non-profit agency and its coalitions, including the Western Mass. Safe Kids Coalition headquartered at Baystate Medical Center Children’s Hospital, are committed solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury, the number one killer of children ages 14 and under.

Officials at the National SAFE KIDS Campaign noted that since its inception at Baystate Medical Center Children’s Hospital 12 years ago, the local coalition has “fought for the safety of the children it serves.” They noted by increasing financial support, including funding of a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station, creating an aggressive media outreach campaign, and supporting a full-time SAFE KIDS coordinator, Baystate Medical Center Children’s Hospital’s “commitment to child injury prevention has drawn the attention of many.”