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Long Beach Health Department Awarded Three Grants to Expand Traffic Safety and Education Programs

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has recently received a generous grant of $915,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). This funding, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be used to support various traffic safety education and prevention programs in an effort to reduce crashes caused by distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe biking and walking behaviors.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his gratitude for the grant, stating that traffic safety remains a top priority for the city. He believes that these funds will allow them to educate the community, promote safer choices, and prevent injuries on the streets.

The Health Department's traffic safety prevention programs will benefit greatly from this grant. One such program is Walk & Roll LB, which focuses on educating individuals about bicycle, pedestrian, and active-transportation safety and injury-prevention. Another program is Greenlight LB, which leads the city's efforts in preventing distracted and impaired driving. These initiatives aim to promote safer travel across Long Beach through education, outreach, and behavior-change strategies. They specifically target youth and young adults, high-risk neighborhoods, and communities disproportionately affected by traffic collisions.

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The grant will support various initiatives from October 1st of this year until September 30th of next year. These include school and community-based presentations promoting safe behaviors for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers; peer-to-peer youth engagement programs addressing distracted and impaired driving; interactive demonstrations; hands-on learning activities; distribution of free traffic safety gear such as helmets, bike lights, and reflective materials; community surveys; observational assessments; as well as collaborations with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), and local community organizations.

According to Health and Human Services Director Alison King, these investments are crucial in strengthening their injury-prevention work at the Health Department. By focusing on education, behavior change, and hands-on strategies, they hope to help youth, families, and high-risk communities stay safe on Long Beach streets.

Thanks to previous OTS funding, the programs have already made significant impacts in the past year. They have reached over 8,300 community members through education, outreach, and safety demonstrations; conducted 37 school-based presentations across LBUSD elementary, middle, and high schools; engaged youth leaders through peer-to-peer programs promoting safe driving and active transportation; distributed 264 helmets and over 3,200 bike lights and reflective gear; hosted community pop-up events; impaired-driving demonstrations; and youth-focused activities. They have also delivered citywide media and awareness campaigns to reduce distracted and drug-impaired driving.

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OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty believes that traffic safety education is crucial in saving lives. She emphasizes the importance of staying alert, sober, and distraction-free behind the wheel to prevent tragedies on roadways. She is proud to support Long Beach as they continue their critical efforts.

This grant aligns with the Health Department's Strategic Plan as well as the City's Safe Streets Long Beach Vision Zero Action Plan and Strategic Vision 2030 goals. It is a testament to the City's ongoing efforts to reduce traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities. With this funding, they hope to make Long Beach a safer place for all residents.

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