Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an appropriation to Columbus Public Health within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund in support of the department’s child car seat program.
The Car Seat Program helps provide car seats and booster seats at a reduced cost to eligible families in need. To get a car seat, families must participate in a car seat class at Columbus Public Health. The class runs 60-90 minutes and teaches the safety features of the car seat, including how to install it in a vehicle correctly. Certified staff members ensure that every family leaves with their car seat(s) installed correctly.
This program has experienced a continued high level of interest and demand, increasing the need for products to distribute within the community. The increased work with the immigrant and refugee population, who often need multiple seats at once, has also accelerated the need for additional commodities.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to immediately acquire necessary child safety products for distribution.
Title
To authorize an appropriation to Columbus Public Health within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund in support of the department’s child 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 booster seats at significantly reduced rates to income-eligible families; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council has provided supplemental resources to Columbus Public Health in response to increasing community demand for car seats and to reduce the wait list for those in need; and
WHEREAS, community demand has continued to increase, and in order to keep up with demand, Columbus City Council deems it an effective use of funds to provide Columbus Public Health with additional resources to procure car seats; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists ...
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