If you build it, will they come? Using a mobile safety centre to disseminate safety information and products to low-income urban families

Objective: To examine the utilisation-related outcomes associated with visiting the Johns Hopkins CARES (Children ARE Safe) Mobile Safety Center (MSC), a 40-foot vehicle designed to deliver effective injury prevention interventions and education to low-income urban families. Design and setting: Utilisation-related data were collected when the MSC was accessible at a community health centre and at community events from August 2004 to July 2006 in Baltimore City. Subjects: Adults bringing their child for well child care at a community health centre and MSC visitors at community events. Interventions: Low-cost safety products and free personalised educational services are provided on the MSC, which replicates a home environment and contains interactive exhibits. Main outcome measures: Perceived benefits of visiting the MSC; products and services received. Results: MSC visitors (n=83) and non-visitors (n=127) did not differ in sociodemographic and injury-related characteristics; 96% of visitors reported learning something new as a result of their visit and 98% would recommend the MSC. During the first 2 years of operation, the MSC made 273 appearances, serving 6086 people. Home child safety products accounted for 71% of the 559 products distributed; educational materials made up 87% of the 7982 services received. Car safety seats accounted for 23% of the products distributed; installations made up 4% of the services received. Conclusions: This approach to disseminating injury prevention interventions holds promise for enhancing the appeal of safety information and increasing the protection of children.