Community Collaboration Brings Car Seat Safety Program to Area Families

Saint Mary’s Regional Health System is proud to partner with Arkansas Children's, Russellville Police Department, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas Department of Health, ChoiceCare and One Roof to bring a new car seat safety program to the River Valley, aimed at protecting the community’s youngest passengers. 

The program, led locally by Russellville Police Department Public Information Officer Hailie Tolich, focuses on improving child passenger safety through education, proper installation and access to life-saving equipment. Car seats for the program were delivered to Russellville in June and were donated through the Arkansas Children’s Child Passenger Safety Education Program, helping expand critical resources for area families. 

Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the correct and consistent use of car seats can reduce the risk of death by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Through this partnership, families in the River Valley will have greater access to certified car seat technicians and the tools needed to keep children safe. 

“This program is about more than providing car seats. It’s about making sure families feel confident that their children are as safe as possible every time they’re on the road,” said Haley Sutterfield, Saint Mary’s Women’s & Children’s Services Manager. “We’re proud to work alongside Arkansas Children’s and our community partners to bring these important resources to our community.” 

The initiative aligns with the Child Passenger Safety Education Program led by Arkansas Children’s, which works to prevent injuries and save lives through education and outreach across the state. Locally, the program will offer: 

• Educational opportunities on proper child passenger safety practices 

• Car seat check-ups to ensure correct installation 

• Access to car seats for families in need 

• Ongoing community outreach and support 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain rear-facing in their car seats until they reach the maximum height and weight limits for that position, then transition to forward-facing seats until they outgrow those limits. 

“We know that properly installed car seats make a life-saving difference,” said Hailie Tolich. “By bringing this program to Russellville, we’re helping ensure more children are protected on every trip.” 

Saint Mary’s Regional Health System is committed to supporting initiatives that improve the health and safety of the communities it serves. This partnership reflects a shared mission among local organizations to provide families with resources that make a lasting impact.