Nearly 200 child safety seats have been provided to community members through a Catalyst for Change Grant, and an additional 200 is expected to be distributed by the end of 2026.
Leah Ambrosini, Nursing Supervisor, and Anna DeFazio, Unit Manager, with car seats purchased through the grant
The Community Foundation of Fayette County awarded a $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant, funded through Gala of Giving proceeds, to support the Infant and Child Safety Program at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital.
The Infant and Child Safety Program addresses a critical need for lower-income families by ensuring access to properly fitted car seats. For many families, the cost of a car seat can be a significant obstacle, creating challenges in safely transporting children to medical appointments and other essential services.
To help overcome these challenges, WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital supplies car seats to families in need. Car seats are distributed to infants born at the hospital, Head Start participants, patients of the hospital’s pediatric practice, and community families who seek assistance.
In addition to providing critical safety equipment, the program invests in education and prevention. Funding supports car seat technician certification training for hospital staff, equipping them to teach parents and caregivers how to properly install and use car seats. Together, these efforts improve child passenger safety, increase access to healthcare, and help ensure that Fayette County families have the resources they need to thrive.
WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital shared a patient story:
Tatem and Jonathan with their baby girl and car seat
A big stressor weighed on Tatem and Jonathan as they prepared to welcome their infant daughter this spring. The young couple already had baby supplies like diapers, clothing and a crib previously used by their toddler son. Yet one costly supply felt out of reach, even though it was absolutely essential: a high quality car seat.
“We weren’t sure if we could buy a good car seat and it was one of the things we worried about the most,” Tatem said.
When they arrived at the new WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Birthing Center at Uniontown Hospital, the couple asked staff whether financial assistance was available to purchase a car seat. They had come to the right place.
The hospital is able to provide convertible car seats to expectant mothers and their babies in Fayette County. These seats accommodate a child’s growth, up to 100 pounds, ultimately lasting years for one family.
“We are so thankful to the hospital for providing us with this car seat,” Tatem says. “It made everything else about welcoming our daughter easier and we were so surprised at how nice and lightweight it was.”
Check photo (left to right): Bonnie Ryan, Karen Merryman, Beth Konick, Dawn Hunchuck-Piccolomini, Renee Couser, Carrie Willetts, Garnet Gordon, Meredith Aumer
