Plan now for Hard Hats for Little Heads month

posted 09.04.19

Like the Panhandle community of Perryton, you, too, can help ensure that kids in your community have helmets as TMA celebrates the 25th birthday of the Hard Hats for Little Heads program in October.

A hit-and-run accident in Perryton earlier this summer sent a 10-year-old bicyclist to the hospital and prompted the community to host a local bike safety workshop. TMA member Rex L. Mann, MD, a Perryton family physician, got busy to make sure the event featured a TMA helmet giveaway, a first for the community. These local family physicians, along with Dr. Mann, helped provide helmets for the event: Manon E. Childers, MD, Blake A. DeWitt, MD; Jennifer T. McGaughy, DO; and Rick A. Siewert, DO.

The July 16 community event featured interactive demonstrations about proper hand signals, crossing an intersection, and more. Children also could ride through a bicycle obstacle course and be fitted for their new helmet.

“Bicycle safety is extremely important for children to learn,” said Dr. Mann. “Providing them with the tools to stay safe helps further that goal.” 

Weeks later, community members are still requesting helmets from the Ochiltree General Hospital. Dr. Mann said more than 65 kids have received helmets to use while enjoying their bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards.

As part of an ongoing effort to encourage helmet use, the Perryton Police Department gives a McDonald’s gift certificate for a free kids’ meal to children they spot doing good in the community, including wearing their helmets.

TMA has everything you need for your helmet giveaway event, from helmets to publicity tools to educational materials. When you purchase up to 50 helmets, TMA boosts your giving power with an equal match of helmets. Helmets cost $7.85 each, including shipping.

Family physicians, like Dr. Mann, and members of the Texas Pediatric Society have a special perk of receiving 25 helmets at no cost, thanks to the Texas Academy of Family Physicians and TPS while funding lasts. TMA then matches that for a total of 50 helmets to give away at no cost to you.

Start planning your October giveaway now with these ideas for events, or come up with your own creative event. Be sure to order your helmets at least a month in advance so they arrive in plenty of time for your event.

TMA will list all October events in a media advisory sent to communities where events will occur.

Email Tammy Wishard, TMA outreach coordinator, or call her at (512) 370-1470 if you have questions or to request an order packet.

Hard Hats for Little Heads is supported in 2019 with a TMA Foundation grant thanks to its Legacy of Caring and General Endowments, and generous gifts from an anonymous physician and spouse and donors to TMAF’s Make-A-Difference and Greatest Need appeals.