MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP has awarded a Community Impact Grant to Madison Hospital to give a boost for child safety on the road.

This summer, MVP assisted Madison Hospital in opening the first fitting station for car-seats for infants and younger children. The site in Madison is a satellite station of Huntsville Hospital’s Car-Seat Safety Program that started in 1997.

“MVP’s community impact mini-grant cycle is designed for nonprofits and other eligible organizations doing work or would like to do work within the City of Madison,” MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said.

An organization can request $500 to $2,500. MVP will award $15,000 in community grants in 2023.

The fitting station service is offered free to any resident. Trained technicians confirm that parents, caregivers and children in the Huntsville area are educated on the proper installation and use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts.

“Every child deserves safe transportation,” Thornton said. “Every parent deserves the peace of mind that, if an accident happens, they have done all that they can to minimize injury to their child.”

“Motor-vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death among children, yet three out of four car seats in the United States have incorrect installation,” Thornton said.

Additionally, if a car seat is in the vehicle during a crash, the seat is deemed unsafe until a person inspects it. The seat should be replaced, she said.

“Madison Hospital is solving this community need by offering free car-seat stations for anyone in the community. Certified technicians check installed seats for proper fitting. They educate mothers on proper seat belting and car-seat positioning,” Thornton said.

If an individual wants more training, Madison Hospital will offer online instruction and video education as a follow-up to in-person fittings.

In addition, mothers who are involved in an automobile accident will receive a free car-seat so they can leave the hospital safely with their child. Mothers who qualify for government assistance receive free car-seats, along with installation and education.

A mother who is verified as earning a low income but does not qualify for government assistance also will receive a free car-seat, installation and instruction.

At Madison Hospital, the car-seat fitting station is open on Mondays. Individuals must schedule an appointment. The fitting station at Madison Hospital, 8375 U.S. 72 W., is open at the front entrance’s awning. For an appointment, call 256-817-5650 or visit madisonalhospital.org/services/car-seat-fitting.

For more information about MVP, call 256-384-4358, email info@mvpmadison.org or visit mvpmadison.org.