Bike Helmets Distributed At EHC
The Trauma Services of Elmhurst Hospital Center sponsored a free helmet

Photo Austin H. Armitstead Holding some of the bicycle helmets in sizes for children, teens and adults that were distributed at Elmhurst Hospital Center are (l. to r.): Nancy Rodriguez, DOT citywide coordinator for safety education, Amelita Lamalva, secretary, EHC Surgery Department, Anju Galer, HN Trauma Services, EHC, Samantha Carter, DOT coordinator, Jerry Curatolo, DOT Queens Safety City coordinator, and Dr. George Agriatonis, EHC Trauma Services director.

distribution in conjunction with the

Office of Safety Education of the New York City Department of Transportation last Friday.

In an effort to promote safety in active sports and to educate the community to protect against head injury, 80 helmets were fitted and distributed to adults, teenagers and children. "Wear a helmet and stay smart" was the advice for the sports-minded.

Dr. George A. Agriantonis, director of trauma services, and Anju Galer, HN Trauma Services, Elmhurst Hospital Center, noted, "Wearing a helmet is a smart thing to do-get one, wear one, stay safe and stay smart."

Representatives from the DOT at the free helmet distribution in the Elmhurst Hospital HBuilding lobby included Jerry Curatolo, DOT

coordinator of Queens Safety City; Maria Cruz, DOT citywide coordinator for safety education; Cheryl Johnson, DOT community coordinator for safety education; Samantha Carter, DOT coordinator of Bronx Safety City; Nancy Rodriguez, DOT coordinator of Access Safety City in Manhattan, and Elroy Jones, coordinator for Manhattan Safety City.

The helmet models given away free included "Blade" and "Zoomer" for adults, "Dragon" and "Barbie" for children and "Aero" and "The Edge" for youth. Participants were trained in the proper use and fit of their bicycle helmets, and agreed to wear the helmets when riding bikes. The DOT Helmet Pledge noted that active exercise is healthy and fun, but that it also has safety risks. Wearing a helmet correctly can reduce the risk of serious head injury, a joint objective of both the DOT and the Trauma Services of Elmhurst Hospital Center.