Parents participating in the Aug. 5 “Give Kids a Boost” safety check-in at the Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. to noon will receive educational material about the new state child safety seat law, plus a free back-to-school supply.

“Parents can drive through and get education and have their child seat checked. Participants will also receive a back-to-school supply item,” said Decatur County Health Department Nurse Manager Sherry Hutchins.

The health department is partnering with the Georgia State Patrol to conduct the safety seat check-in as part of the “Give Kids a Boost” campaign.  The back-to-school items are courtesy of a Wal-Mart donation. “Give Kids a Boost” is a statewide campaign aimed at educating parents about the state law that went into effect July 1 requiring children up to age 8 to be properly secured in an approved car or booster seat.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children across the country, and booster seats can reduce fatal injuries by nearly 60 percent,” Hutchins said.

The partnership allows Public Health and the Georgia State Patrol to educate more parents on a simple yet effective safety measure that can save their child’s life, she said.

“Thanks to the support of our statewide and local partners, Georgia’s children have better protection with a strong booster seat law.”

Hutchins said a limited number of child safety seats will be available for distribution to qualified applicants during the safety seat check-in.

For more information about the event, please contact the Decatur County Health Department at (229) 248-3055.