Join TMA in Protecting Kids’ Heads
By Tammy Wishard

Hard_Hats_Kids

Do kids in your community ride bikes without a helmet?

Do they wear a helmet, but in a way that won’t protect them?

If so, the Texas Medical Association’s Hard Hats for Little Heads is a ready-made, turnkey program available to help you protect local kids.

The Hard Hats bike helmet giveaway program is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, and TMA is giving 25 helmets to 25 members to give to kids in their communities. If you haven’t hosted an event before, the 25 for 25 campaign is for you.

As an emergency physician in Wichita Falls, Evan Meyer, MD, (pictured above) sees firsthand the dangers of not using helmets.

“The suffering of my patients and their parents leaves a lasting impression, so I want to do what I can to keep kids out of the emergency department,” said Dr. Meyer, a TMA Leadership College graduate who has hosted events since 2017.

Austin pediatrician Arathi Shah, MD, said Hard Hats is a way to show the community that she cares about children beyond her office.

“And it helps me stress the health benefits of riding a bike, and staying safe while doing so,” said Dr. Shah, also a Leadership College graduate. “Injury prevention is the key.”

To host her event, Dr. Shah took advantage of a special offer for pediatricians to receive up to 50 helmets at no cost to them, thanks to the Texas Pediatric Society (TPS) and TMA. TPS pays for up to 25 helmets for its members, and TMA matches that. The Texas Academy of Family Physicians offers the same perk for any family physician who hosts an event.

Typically for Hard Hats events, hosts purchase helmets to receive a match of helmets from TMA. No matching purchase of helmets is required of winners in TMA’s 25 for 25 campaign. You can purchase additional helmets at our low cost of $7.85 each, including shipping. 

To be included in the drawing, send an email by June 1 detailing your event plans. Winners will be selected by July 1. In addition to TMA members, county medical societies and TMA Alliance chapters are eligible. Physicians who want to reach a county where Hard Hats hasn’t been also can apply. 

“As more children become active in the coming months, I implore you to take part in this program,” Dr. Meyer said. “As a physician you have the chance to touch their lives and to encourage a safe, active lifestyle.”    

Find event ideas and much more in the Hard Hats event toolkit, including sample promotional and educational materials to enhance your event. To request an order packet or to get started on your event, email Tammy Wishard, TMA outreach coordinator, or call her at 512-370-1470.

Hard Hats for Little Heads is supported in 2019 with a TMA Foundation grant thanks to its Legacy of Caring and General Endowments, and generous gifts from an anonymous physician and spouse and donors to TMAF’s Make-A-Difference and Greatest Need appeals.

 

Last Updated On

April 15, 2019

Originally Published On

April 15, 2019

Related Content

Hard Hats for Little Heads

Tammy Wishard

Account Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing

(512) 370-1470
Tammy Wishard

Tammy Wishard is an account manager in TMA’s Marketing Department. She works with TMA’s Office of Trust Fund Administration and other departments to help communicate the broad range of services and resources TMA offers its members. She has a 25-plus-year history with TMA, where she started as a writer/editor. Tammy, a proud Iowa native, is a graduate of Abilene Christian University.

More stories by Tammy Wishard