Munson Healthcare donates $5,000 to support preventative program for childhood winter sporting head injuries
Participating in outdoor winter recreation is a way of life in Northern Michigan—and a great way to counter the short, gray days. But doing so safely is important.
Chill Out, is a program aimed to teach parents and kids how to have fun in winter while being safe. The program was inspired by tragedy - Tammie Budrow, program founder, lost her eight-year-old daughter in 2007 to a downhill sledding accident. Since then, and in partnership with Munson Healthcare injury prevention experts, Tammie visits schools across the region to teach kids safety behaviors.
In addition to its school visits, the Chill Out team will be at ski resorts and sledding hills on several occasions this winter with more events still being scheduled.
- January 9, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 pm | Mt. Holiday, Traverse City
- January 15, 2024, 4:30 – 6:30 pm | The Delamar Hotel, Traverse City | Registration Required
- January 20, 2024, 10 am – 1 pm | Hickory Hills, Traverse City
- January 27, 2024, 10 am – 1 pm | Carly’s Hill / Springfield Township Park, Fife Lake
- February 3, 2024, 11 am – 2 pm | Otsego Resort, Gaylord
- February 29, 2024, 5 – 7 pm | Parent Safety Expo, Cadillac Area Public Schools, Cadillac
The program will give away more than 500 helmets this year.
All are welcome to stop by to meet Beary Careful and learn more about winter safety Children’s helmets, and a free helmet fitting will be provided at no cost while supplies last. This program is generously made possible by the support of many community organizations, including leading sponsorship from Munson Healthcare, and partnership with area ski resorts and community sledding hills. Additional funding partners include Kiwanis Traverse City, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Northwestern Michigan Emergency Physicians, and Forest Area Federal Credit Union.
For more information on safe winter behaviors, visit munsonhealthcare.org/chilloutsafety.