The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Injury Prevention Program recently announced that Bryan County is a recipient of the Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant.

The grants help county health departments and their community partners reduce the number of injuries and deaths among children in Georgia. This year’s $161,000 award will be used to support the purchase of car seats to be distributed in 137 Georgia counties. Funding for these efforts is provided by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Since 2007, at least 283 Georgia children involved in crashes were saved from serious injury or death by car seats, booster seats and education provided through the grants. Bryan County residents are encouraged to call the county Health Department at 912-653-4331 (Pembroke) or 912-756-2611 (Richmond Hill) for more information on child safety seats.

“Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and it’s up to all of us to do everything we can to protect our children on the road,” Coastal Health District Health Director Dr. Diane Weems said.