Lava Ridge Elementary students get free helmets, learn about bike safety with fun ‘Train Your Brain’ program
(Update: Added video)
Jillian Fortner attended event, will have a report on KTVZ News at Six
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- This spring, more than 2,000 third graders throughout Central Oregon get to participate in the Train Your Brain program, taught by local athletic trainers who are now part of St. Charles Health System.
According to the program, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of injury by 88%.
"We teach them why they should wear a helmet, how to take care of your helmet, and how to make sure it fits properly." said Stuart Schmidt, Athletic Training Program Manager at St. Charles.
The program, formerly led by The Center Foundation, provides interactive assemblies and free multi-sport helmets to local elementary students.
“St. Charles is proud to continue this injury prevention program and to continue providing athletic trainers at eight local high schools, helping to ensure the safety and education of students in Central Oregon,” said Christy McLeod, Senior Vice President of Specialty Service Lines for St. Charles.
For 15 years, the Train Your Brain program has distributed more than 1,000 free helmets for local students every year, ensuring kids have proper head protection for activities such as bicycling, skateboarding, rollerblading and scooter riding. The 2025 program begins in April, just in time to prepare students for a safe and active summer.
The presentations include interactive demonstrations on injury prevention, helmet safety, proper fitting and care. A highlight of the assembly is the "melon drop," which emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet.
"It's kind of funny, seeing the whole thing go down and splatter," Lava Ridge third-grader Kaylei Gomez said Wednesday.
Following the presentation, St. Charles caregivers and volunteers properly fit free helmets for every student who needs one.
Another third-grader, Elliot Newman, said he was excited to get a new helmet, after his last accident.
"My old one cracked after my crash, where I got my concussion," Newman said.
Schmidt said, “Helmet safety is a simple yet crucial way to prevent serious head injuries in children. Through the Train Your Brain program, we aim to instill lifelong safety habits in young students, empowering them to protect their brains while having fun."
"We also want to thank our school districts for recognizing the significance of this safety initiative and to our partners for making it possible to provide free helmets to every third grader in Central Oregon who needs one.”
Train Your Brain will be visiting schools throughout April and May. Check out the program's webpage to see their next stop.
