Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an appropriation of $20,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund to Columbus Public Health in support of their car seat program.
Columbus Public Health, in coordination with the CelebrateOne infant mortality reduction initiative and Safe Kids Central Ohio Injury Prevention program, distributes and installs child safety seats in vehicles for qualifying city residents. Car seats are provided to qualified residents (based on income) at reduced prices, with convertible car seats provided at a cost of $30.00 and booster seats provided at a cost of $10.00. In addition, certified staff members assist families who already have car seats by helping them install the seat properly into their vehicle at no cost to the family.
In 2016, Columbus City Council provided supplemental funding to hire an additional part-time staff member in order to reduce the wait time for car seat installations and inspections. Since last year, the wait list has continued to grow, reflecting an increased community need.
This $20,000 will fund an additional supply of car seats used by Columbus Public Health in order to continue the program at its current success rate. Without funding, it is possible CPH will run out of car seats by September 2017 which will result in the wait list growing until funding becomes available in the 2018 operating budget.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to more immediately provide Columbus Public Health with the resources necessary to sustain the car seat program and respond to increasing community needs.
Title
To authorize an appropriation of $20,000.00 to Columbus Public Health within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund in support of the car seat program; and to declare an emergency. ($20,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, in an effort to address the infant mortality rate in central Ohio, Columbus Public Health distributes car seats and ...
Click here for full text