Interlakes Area United Way has launched “First Ride Home”, a new program designed to help families in Lake, Miner and Moody counties safely transport their newborns home from the hospital.
The initiative provides eligible families with an infant travel system that includes a car seat, base and stroller, along with one-on-one child passenger safety education and installation guidance from a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
IAUW Executive Director Karen Giles said the program was created to address a specific need for local families and complements South Dakota’s existing Child Safety Seat Distribution Program by providing equipment families can use well beyond their baby’s first trip home.
To qualify, families must live in Lake, Miner or Moody counties, receive services from a participating healthcare provider, and participate in an eligible income-based assistance program such as WIC, Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, Head Start or Child Care Assistance.
Madison Regional Health System is the program’s first participating healthcare provider. Community Health Worker Claire Gors said the program combines education with the proper safety equipment, giving qualifying families the knowledge and resources needed to keep their newborns safe.
Madison Ace Hardware is serving as the local supplier for the travel systems.
United Way officials say the program reflects the organization’s commitment to improving community health by bringing together healthcare providers, local businesses and community partners to reduce barriers for new families. Community members and businesses interested in supporting First Ride Home through donations or sponsorships can contact Interlakes Area United Way for more information.
