Langhorne Native Recognized For Work With Safe Kids Coalition

Provided by Safe Kids Southeastern Pennsylvania Coalition:

Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, Langhorne native Kimberly Everett received multiple commendations from Pennsylvania legislators for her efforts over the past 21 years with the former Safe Kids Bucks County Coalition at Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad.

Everett is the trauma prevention coordinator at St. Mary Medical Center in Middletown and previously served Safe Kids Worldwide and Pennsylvania as the Bucks County coalition coordinator and chairperson. Everett has dedicated much of her professional career as an advocate and leader in building strong relationships with local legislators, first responders, community members and families while providing education, tools, and resources to her Bucks County community to keep children safe.

Over her tenure, Everett led Safe Kids Bucks County in a magnitude of prevention programs. Most notably, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) donations and placement for Bucks County youth sports teams, and bicycle safety programs inclusive of the annual “Bike to School Day.”

Everett, through Bucks County Safe Kids, was recognized for its efforts in developing the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) program in Bucks County. ImPACT is a standardized tool used in comprehensive clinical management of concussion for athletes of all ages. It was developed in 2011 and Everett delivered education to teens, coaches, parents, and school administrators on the importance of proper ImPACT concussion baseline and post-injury testing, in addition to understanding the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. Everett also focused on pedestrian safety inclusive of the annual “Walk to School Day” and water safety. Lastly, Everett was a main regional advocate for Child Passenger Safety as a Senior Checker and Instructor through Safe Kids. She organized monthly car seat check programs in which over 40 car seats were checked each month at St. Mary Medical Center.

“I have a special place in my heart for the efforts of Safe Kids. From time to time, we get to recognize people in the community for an impact they have had during their length of service,” State Rep. Frank Farry said before presenting Everett with her commendation.

Farry first presented Everett with an American flag, on behalf of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Everett’s efforts with Safe Kids. Secondly, Farry awarded Kim with a commendation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for her twenty-one years of service to the citizens of the commonwealth.

“Surely, under her leadership, Safe Kids Bucks County has saved many children’s lives,” stated Farry.

Also in attendance, was Nick Diasio on behalf of State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson. He presented an additional commendation from the Senate in recognition of Everett’s achievements.

“Kim gave families, parents and children a sense that they mattered to her, her partners, and the community. Kim brought the Bucks County community together in all good, important ways.  We are forever grateful for her time with Safe Kids and all of the advances she has mad,” said Shileste Morris, director of Safe Kids Pennsylvania.

Everett was also presented with a certificate of recognition from Safe Kids Pennsylvania by Corey Matthews, current chairman of the Bucks County committee of Safe Kids Southeastern PA, former vice chairman of the Bucks County Safe Kids Coalition and a lieutenant at Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad.

On the first of the year, the Safe Kids Bucks County Coalition officially dissolved due to changes with the lead agency, therefore closing a chapter in Everett’s professional career with pediatric injury prevention.

“Although the Bucks County Coalition has dissolved, we will continue to serve Bucks County residents through our merger with the Southeastern PA Coalition led by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. You can be assured that Bucks County regional interests as it regards to pediatric injury and illness prevention will continue to be represented under this change in leadership and merger of the coalition. Kim’s leadership in Bucks County has allowed all of us members to continue on with our mission of saving children’s lives through pediatric injury prevention,” said Matthews.

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization with coalitions throughout the United States and internationally. Safe Kids Focuses on preventing regional pediatric injuries through education, legislation changes, and enforcement activities. Based on the needs of the community, the Safe Kids coalitions implement evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.