Injury prevention program

Protecting your children is your top priority. It’s ours, too. Together with your family, school and community, Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals)'s Injury Prevention Program helps save lives. Through this initiative and our community leadership with Safe Kids Greater Grand Rapids, our team educates health care professionals, community groups and children. That’s because we know safe kids are happy kids.

Our programs and services

Our efforts are based on community needs and scientific evidence, so we can make the greatest possible impact.

Bike and pedestrian safety
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Watch our videos to learn how to:

  • Fit and fasten your child’s bike helmet, which reduces the risk of brain injury while riding by nearly 90%.
  • Teach children to stay safe while walking around a neighborhood.
Bike and pedestrian safety - English
Bike and pedestrian safety - Spanish
Put A Lid On It!

We partner with the Grand Rapids Griffins to participate in Lids at the Library, part of the Put A Lid On It campaign. Learn more at griffinshockey.com.

Discounted bike helmets

We offer discounted bike helmets to the community. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call 616.391.7233, or email injuryprevention@helendevoschildrens.org.

Additional resources
Car seat safety
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Car seat safety checks

We offer a number of car seat safety check events throughout the year. All car seat inspections are free and a limited number of low-cost replacement car seats are available at all locations, for those who qualify. Children who need a replacement seat must be present with a parent or legal guardian.

Car seat installation videos

Watch a demonstration of how to install a car seat and harness your children to keep them safe in case of a crash.

Forward facing car seat installation - English
Forward facing car seat installation - Spanish
Rear facing car seat installation - English
Rear facing car seat installation - Spanish

EZ On harness resources

If your child was provided an EZ On harness for special transportation needs, utilize the info below for proper use and installation.

“*For sizing and written instructions, please follow this link: 503 – Lay Down Transportation Vest (ezonpro.com)

Sleep safety
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Support safe and sound infant slumber at bedtime and naptime with simple, lifesaving tips.

Safe sleep - English
Safe sleep - Spanish
Sports safety
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Sports are good for staying healthy and making friends, but kids need adults’ guidance to enjoy them safely. If you’re a parent or coach, you can reduce the risk of injury by:

  • Requiring sports physicals or bringing your child to a primary care doctor for a checkup before starting athletic activity.
  • Requiring baseline brain function testing before sports or getting your child evaluated to help doctors diagnose a possible concussion later.
  • Ensuring kids wear the right sports gear, including helmets.
  • Making time for warmups and stretching before practices and games.
  • Providing water and water breaks.
  • Allowing time for rest and encouraging kids to report pain.
Additional resources
Water safety
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Help kids have fun safely at the pool, at the beach, and even in the bathtub by:

  • Never leaving children alone in or near water, even if they’re in a baby bath seat, the water is shallow or they know how to swim.
  • Learning CPR.
  • Putting up a fence and locked gate with an alarm around a private pool and turning over inflatable pools when not in use.
  • Teaching children how to swim and practice water safety, such as avoiding pool drains, entering water feet-first, and wearing a life jacket when on or near open water.
Additional resources

Give a Gift to That Will Help Keep Children Safe

You can help us reach more kids and families.

Reach Out to Us!

Request a speaker or educational material for your next event, injuryprevention@helendevoschildrens.org