ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) has made a change to the car seat safety program. Beginning May 2017, the cost of a new car seat will increase (due to funding changes). Car seats will no longer cost $45.00, and $20.00 for those on public assistance. DOH-Alachua will continue to carry the Evenflo Titan 65 (rear facing 5-40 lbs. and forward facing up to 65 lbs.) and the Evenflo SecureKid (forward facing up to 65 lbs. with a harness and up to 110 lbs. as a belt positioning booster). The Titan will cost $56.00, and the SecureKid will cost $74.00. The prices are for cost recovery from purchasing the seats directly from the manufacturer. The only method of payment accepted is cash.
The car seat safety checkpoints are held every third Tuesday of the month, by appointment only. Participants can have their car seat checked for correct installation for free or purchase a new car seat and have it installed. The car seat safety checkpoint is held in the front parking lot of the Health Department (224 S.E. 24th St, Gainesville).
“Although the cost of the car seat has increased, we will still be providing education for free. That is what matters,” stated DOH-Alachua Community Program Manager Diana Duque. “Our mission is to decrease infant mortality and childhood traumas and increase car seat safety awareness. We have inspected and installed over 113 child safety seats in the past year. We look forward to continuing to serve our community.”
For appointments, call and leave a message at 352-225-4354. Calls are returned by the following business day.
For more information, contact Diana Duque at 352-225-4355 or Diana.Duque@flhealth.gov.