HOSPITAL’S “SAFE SKIER INITIATIVE” KEEPS YOUNG SKIERS SAFE

1/28/10

Over the past eleven ski seasons, more than 1,250 elementary school children in SAU #9 and #13 have benefited from Memorial Hospital’s “Safe Skier Initiative” that provides free ski helmets in collaboration with Leedom Helmets in Stoughton, MA. In early January, more than 175 helmets were distributed to children in the junior ski programs with the help of school nurses and principals. Children who are eligible for the “safety scholarships” are enrolled in the federally qualified free and reduced rate meals program at their schools.

The initiative grew from the hospital’s commitment to injury prevention on the slopes. “We wanted to support efforts that encourage young people’s use of helmets and protective headgear during skiing and snowboarding,” Karen Cole, Memorial’s community relations director, said. “Many schools and ski program organizers require that children wear helmets, but were concerned that some may not be able to afford them. Through our partnership with Leedom, we are able to offer these helmets at no cost to students who are enrolled in the free and reduced rate meals programs,” she said. Working with the school nurses who handle the scholarship applications, the hospital arranges for helmet deliveries before the start of the ski programs each year. “We encourage everyone to wear helmets when skiing or snowboarding and this program enables the children participating in the ESSC ski program to do so with safety in mind.” Cole said.