Elementary students across the Treasure Valley will be able to safely recreate this spring, thanks to a donation of over 200 bicycle helmets on behalf of ICOM’s Neurosurgery Club.
Organized by Student Doctor Jordan McAllister, a second-year student at ICOM and Treasurer of the Neurosurgery Club, the campaign aimed to collect enough money and/or helmet donations to be able to provide 100 local children with new helmets. Thanks to an outpouring of support, more than 200 helmets were collected and/or purchased, more than doubling the initial goal.
“Seeing the impact that something like this can have — it’s heartwarming,” said Student Doctor McAllister. “Helmets are not cheap and if families have other things they need to focus on, safety shouldn’t be one their worries.”
Student Doctor McAllister says the campaign, which took place in March in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, could not have been possible without the involvement of numerous partner agencies across the Treasure Valley, including fire and police departments.
The partnership with local first responders adds a personal touch for Student Doctor McAllister, who serves as a first responder herself. McAllister’s husband, an Idaho State Police Trooper, serves as her partner on a 911 ambulance; and McAllister’s father is a retired career fireman.
“I may have spearheaded this and come up with the idea, but I did not do this on my own. I had a tremendous amount of community support,” McAllister said. “This was a great opportunity for first responders to get involved in a cause that directly impact children in their communities.”
On Thursday, April 3, Student Doctor McAllister, accompanied by representatives from first responder agencies across the Treasure Valley, delivered the helmets to five school districts. The drop-offs took place at the following locations:
- Morley Nelson Elementary in the Boise School District
- Silver Sage Elementary in the West Ada School District
- Endeavor Elementary in the Nampa School District
- Lewis and Clark Elementary in the Caldwell School District
- Vallivue School District Office
As the weather warms up and children venture outside to ride bicycles, scooters and even skateboards, Student Doctor McAllister hopes families discuss and practice helmet safety.
Children and adolescent account for more than one-third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce overall head injuries by 60% and reduce fatalities by more than 70%, according to bike helmet safety experts.
