Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency announced that its Public Health Division has been awarded three competitive state grants totaling $639,631 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
The funding will support programs aimed at preventing impaired driving and improving the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians and child passengers.
The grants will fund a variety of community-focused initiatives. A $250,000 grant will support bicycle and pedestrian safety programs, including classroom presentations in schools, distribution of helmets, lights and reflective safety gear to low-income residents, and hands-on safety trainings for youth and adults. Community outreach events will also promote awareness of pedestrian, bicycle and e-bike safety.
Another $280,000 will be dedicated to impaired driving education and resources. This funding will provide bilingual Responsible Beverage Service trainings to alcohol merchants, conduct DUI-related surveys to support law enforcement education, and offer traffic safety programs for high-risk adults and youth. The grant will also help operate the DUI Impaired Driving Resource Center, which provides information on restricted driver’s licenses, interlock devices, DUI classes, and safe driving education through social media and community events.
A third grant of $109,631 will enhance child passenger safety efforts. Programs will include car seat checkups and education sessions, booster seat resources for schools, distribution of child safety seats to low-income families, and partnerships with law enforcement to increase public awareness.
“This funding allows us the opportunity to take a multidisciplinary approach to making our roads safer for all users,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, Health Officer for Santa Cruz County.
The grant program will continue through September 2026. Funding is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
