Do kids in your community end up in the emergency department (ED) because they were riding their bikes without a helmet or wearing it incorrectly? If so, the Texas Medical Association’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program can help you prevent similar injuries in the future.
This year, for the first time, emergency physicians across Texas can host a helmet giveaway with support from the Texas College of Emergency Physicians (TCEP), which will provide 25 helmets for its members. But there’s more: TMA will match TCEP’s 25 helmets, giving you 50 helmets to give away at no cost to you.
Evan Meyer, MD, an emergency physician in Wichita Falls, has been hosting helmet giveaways since 2017 in the local hospital’s emergency department and area schools.
“In the emergency department, I see firsthand the dangers of not using helmets,” said Dr. Meyer. “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 ED.”
The program is open to TMA members, county medical societies, and TMA Alliance and medical student chapters. The Texas Pediatric Society offers the same benefit for its members as TCEP, and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians provides it to any family physician who hosts an event.
TMA has everything event hosts need for a successful giveaway, including helmets, publicity and media support, and educational materials (including this helmet fit video featuring Dr. Meyer). TMA’s high-quality helmets cost just $7.85, including shipping.
When hosts purchase helmets, TMA provides free helmets to increase giving power. The match varies by size of purchase. Be sure to order your helmets at least a month in advance to allow plenty of time for delivery.
Dr. Meyer said he appreciates the opportunity to give to his community by hosting Hard Hats events and encourages others to do the same.
“As a physician you have the chance to touch their lives and to encourage a safe, active lifestyle,” he said.
Find event ideas and much more in the Hard Hats event toolkit, including sample promotional and educational materials to enhance your event. To request a helmet order packet or to get started on your event, email Tammy Wishard, TMA outreach coordinator, or call her at (512) 370-1470 or (800) 880-1300, ext. 1470.
Tammy Wishard
Account Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1470