GRMC to Distribute Bike Helmets

Spring weather means bicycles will be out in full force. Grinnell Regional Medical Center will once again lead the distribution of bicycle helmets to more than 500 area third graders.  The GRMC medical staff along with GRMC, area businesses, and individuals demonstrated their commitment to head-injury prevention by teaming up to give a new bicycle helmet to each third grader in the GRMC service area. This year 544 helmets will be given away. Over the previous 17 years, over 4,880 students in the GRMC service area have received a free bike helmet. 

At each distribution an educational program is presented to emphasize the importance of wearing a helmet and to teach bicycle safety.  Children who use helmets as soon as they begin riding are more likely to continue that healthy behavior throughout their lifetime.

Helmets are given out in 12 school districts covering – BGM, Central Iowa Christian Academy, East Marshall, Green Mountain Garwin (GMG), Grinnell/Newburg, Lynnville/Sully, Meskwaki Settlement, Montezuma, North Mahaska, Sully Christian, South Tama, and Victor (HLV).

Craig Cooper of Bikes to You, GRMC employees and medical staff, and in some communities like Grinnell, the Grinnell Police department staff, will visit the schools and fit a helmet to each third-grade student as well as discuss the importance of preventing head injury.

Financial supporters of the bike helmet distribution raised more than $7,000 for the helmets. Contributors, along with GRMC and the GRMC Medical staff, include Ahrens Park Foundation, Alliant Energy, Cirks Financial Services, Garwin Ambulance Service, Grinnell College, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Grinnell State Bank, Heater Lawn Care, Inc., Kiwanis Club of Grinnell, Denise Lamphier, Lion’s Club of Sully, Lynnville Women’s Club, Medicap Pharmacy, Laura Etta Metz, Ramsey Weeks, Inc., State Bank of Toledo, and University of Iowa Community Credit Union.