Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, “not now” has been a common sentiment as people skip get-togethers, put travel plans on hold, and maintain social distancing.
The Texas Medical Association’s Hard Hats for Little Heads helmet giveaway is no exception.
Because health fairs and similar community events aren’t a safe option right now, the TMA council that oversees the bicycle helmet giveaway program has decided to pause Hard Hats operations in early 2021.
However, TMA has remaining helmet inventory available on a first-come, first-served basis for use during 2021. Physicians, medical students, and TMA Alliance chapters can purchase these helmets throughout December.
“We encourage physicians who have found a safe way to give helmets to keep doing so in early 2021 – or to start doing so,” said TMA Council on Health Promotion Chair Eman Attaya, MD, of Lubbock. “Especially during these cooler months, we recognize the importance of encouraging our young patients to get outside, be active, and stay safe.”
Throughout the pandemic, pediatricians and family physicians have given helmets during well-checks.
“These one-on-one interactions between physician and patient help strengthen these relationships and are a perfect way to position physicians as trusted leaders,” Dr. Attaya said.
Helmets that bear the TMA logo cost $7.85 each (including shipping). With a purchase of helmets, TMA provides an equal match of helmets, up to 50.
Pediatricians and emergency physicians can get up to 50 helmets at no cost: The Texas Pediatric Society and Texas College of Emergency Physicians provide 25 helmets for their members, and TMA matches with another 25. The Texas Academy of Family Physicians offers the same benefit for any family physician.
The TMA Council on Health Promotion plans to reevaluate the COVID-19 climate during its TexMed 2021 meeting in May, at which time they might kick the Hard Hats program back into operation.
To request a helmet order form, contact Tammy Wishard, TMA outreach coordinator, at (512) 370-1470 or via email.
TMA requests you submit orders by Dec. 21.
Hard Hats for Little Heads is supported in 2020 with a grant from the TMA Foundation.
Tammy Wishard
Account Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1470