The Norman Regional Hospital Auxiliary is making a push to the Norman community to get involved.

By signing up for this free program, parents will receive a W.H.A.L.E packet containing a brochure explaining the program, two window decals, two stickers for the car seat, a pouch to attach to the back of the car seat and an identification card.

"This card will contain vital information about the child," said Donna Cullins, Norman Regional Auxiliary member. "In the event of an accident where adults in the vehicle are unable to communicate to emergency personnel, this information will be extremely useful."

After an accident, the information card can be removed from the holder and transported with the child. Emergency personnel in Norman have been notified to look for the W.H.A.L.E logo as a possible source of life-saving emergency information.

She said hospital volunteers across the state hope that this program will help save lives and make accidents involving young children easier for everyone.

Those interested in picking up a W.H.A.L.E packet may do so at either the Norman Regional Hospital Information Desk, located at the hospital’s South Entry, or through officer Jennifer Newell at the Norman Police Department. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of producing the packets and those interested should contact OHA at (405) 427-9537.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association, the Oklahoma Police Chiefs Association, the Oklahoma Firefighters Association, and the Oklahoma Highway Transportation Safety Administration have also been notified about this program.

"The Auxiliary feels it is very important to help emergency personnel and families that are involved in accidents," Cullins said. "Many times, the adults involved in an accident are unable to communicate with emergency personnel. The information on the identification card will be helpful not just to identify the child, but also who to contact and vital medical information about the child.

"The parents will know that their child will be cared for much better in the event of an accident. They also know that the family will be notified quicker in the event of an accident. Many times the child is riding with a grandparent or someone else. Emergency personnel will be able to contact the parents sooner."

Cullins said she believes that every parent with children riding in safety seats will want to have a packet.

"I would like to stress that parents install the information pouch where it is not visible from outside the car - the car seat will need to be removed to read the information," she said.

"It is also very important to keep the information and picture current. It is vital that the information pertains to the child riding in the safety seat. All emergency personnel I spoke with would like to see every child seat have this information attached to it."

The Norman Regional Hospital Auxiliary is involved in many programs, which help the communities the hospital serves. The Auxiliary is always looking for caring people to join and volunteer. Those interested should contact the volunteer office at (405) 307-1789.