January 21, 1998

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Kindergarten through 6th grade students from more than 4,000 Illinois public and private schools are invited to participate in contests to promote Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC).

Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade can help EMSC, which is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Public Health and Loyola University Medical Center, to "Name the Bear" that symbolizes the program. Entries are due by March 20.

Fourth through 6th graders can enter the "Be Beary-y Safe" poster contest. Students are to draw a picture that illustrates one of the ways to keep safe, such as use of roller blade/bicycle helmets, knee pads, seatbelts or smoke alarms. Entries are due by April 30.

Winners will be notified through their school and prizes will be presented May 20 to the students as part of Emergency Medical Services for Children Day in Illinois activities.

"Through these contests, we are attempting to promote awareness of the specialized emergency care needs of children," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "We know that appropriate resources and adequately trained emergency personnel can improve the outcomes of the critically ill and injured child."

"Younger children will have fun giving the EMSC bear a name, while the poster contest gives older kids the opportunity to express safety in an artistic way," said Maggie Coen, EMSC community education coordinator. "These contests will not only involve children, but also teachers, parents and local emergency medical service agencies. We are seeking community involvement to ensure that everyone is aware of the EMSC program and the services offered by EMS personnel throughout the state."

The contests are jointly sponsored by the EMSC program and the Illinois State Board of Education. Packets of information encouraging participation in the contests are being mailed to school principals throughout the state.

The Illinois EMSC program, which is housed at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, began in 1994 with a statewide evaluation of the pediatric emergency care resources and capabilities in the state and is now supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing emergency care for children. Funding for the program is provided by the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments