Children's Hospital Safety Van

The Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh sees a large number of children each year who are injured in household accidents involving a variety of things such as burns, falls, poisoning, choking, etc. For years, the Hospital has operated an Injury Prevention Program designed to educate parents on how to eliminate common household hazards.  However, until recently the Hospital was only able to provide that education on their premises. Now, with the financial support from The Gismondi Foundation, Children’s Hospital is able to “take their show on the road.” Yes, the Hospital now has a specially customized van that was purchased with a grant from The Gismondi Foundation and is outfitted to simulate a variety of home environments including the kitchen, bathroom, stairway, etc. (https://www.chp.edu/injury-prevention/safety/home-safety-van)

 “I am very happy we were able to create this program,” says John Gismondi, “because it has allowed Children’s Hospital to dramatically increase the number of people they can reach and educate. Before the van existed, parents had to come to the Hospital to be educated, but now the Hospital can go to them in the community.”

Children’s Hospital is very pleased with what they have been able to accomplish with the van: 

“The Gismondi Foundation Home Safety Van has transformed the hospital’s ability to deliver home safety education to our region’s families ……. we have offered education, resources, and home safety supplies to families, distributing thousands of free safety products like security gates, childproofing kits, cabinet locks, and much more. In a given year the van will attend more than 60 community events that range in size from 15 families to over 5,000 people. The Gismondi Foundation Home Safety Van’s ability to take this information from neighborhood to neighborhood …., without question has saved the lives of children.” 

Christine Vitale RN, MSN

Injury Prevention Manager

If you would like to arrange a visit by the mobile safety van, contact the Injury Prevention Department at 412-692-8229.