State Representative Lynn Slaby (R-Copley) this week teamed up with the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) to distribute bike helmets to children in the after-school program at the Nordonia Hills YMCA.

The helmet distribution was part of a larger bike helmet safety awareness campaign through Ohio AAP, and up to 75 helmets were given to the children and their siblings.

“With so many of our children riding their bicycles on a regular basis, I felt it was very important to ensure that they all have helmets,” Representative Slaby said. “We had a lot of fun handing out the helmets, and I know the children were appreciative of having the helmets and learning about bike safety.”

Universal use of bicycle helmets by children ages 4 to 15 could prevent between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually.