Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children 14 and under in the United States. Preventing these injuries is the most effective way to avoid the need for trauma care. That’s why the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund established its Pediatric Trauma Program (PTP) in 1994.
Through this program, the CNH Children’s Fund partners with children’s hospitals in Oakland, San Diego, Loma Linda, Madera, Honolulu, and Reno. Each year, we invite these hospitals to apply for grants to fund critical, unfunded needs related to pediatric trauma and injury prevention.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the CNH Children’s Fund has awarded nearly $2.1 million in grants to our partner hospitals—delivering life-saving support to children in need.
This year, we’re awarding nearly $133,000 in grants to our six partner hospitals. Here’s how your contributions are making a difference in 2025.
Renown Children’s Hospital – Firearm Injury Prevention
Firearm-related injuries have surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death among children and teens (ages 1–19) in the U.S. In response, Renown Children’s Hospital is working with community organizations to promote gun safety through the “Be SMART” campaign—a national initiative focused on preventing child firearm injuries and deaths.
With a $15,000 grant, Renown will provide education, outreach, and firearm safety resources, including gun locks and secure storage solutions, to families throughout their community.
Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego – Water Safety for Families
In San Diego County, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1–4. Rady Children’s Hospital is addressing this critical issue through a new family-centered program called “Testing the Water.”
With a $20,998 grant, the program will train 50 preschoolers and their caregivers in essential water safety skills. In collaboration with preschools and community partners, the program will build water safety awareness while promoting lifelong health through safe water activities.
Valley Children’s Hospital – Trauma Surgery Training and Mobile Safety Education
Traumatic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability for children between the ages of 1 and 14. With a $28,277.14 grant, Valley Children’s Hospital is taking a multi-pronged approach to address this challenge.
The grant will fund pediatric surgeon training through the ASSET (Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma) course and support the purchase of a mobile trailer to transport materials for child passenger safety technician training. The trailer, wrapped with a child safety message, will serve as both a training tool and a moving billboard for injury prevention throughout the Central Valley.
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital – Supporting Children with Special Needs
Children with special transportation needs often require adaptive safety equipment that is expensive and not widely available. Additionally, few Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are trained to work with these specialized needs.
With a $24,750 grant, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital will:
- Expand CPST training through the Safe Travel For All Children course
- Provide adaptive car seats and training equipment
- Distribute “escape-proof” chest clips to families and community partners
These efforts will ensure children with special needs are transported safely and legally to appointments and activities.
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland – Safety Gear and Gun Safety Education
For more than 30 years, the Injury Prevention Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland has supported families across the state. While children from 56 of California’s 58 counties benefit from their services, the program primarily serves at-risk families in Alameda and Contra Costa counties—75% of whom receive Medi-Cal or Medicare benefits.
With a $20,000 grant, the hospital will purchase and distribute critical safety items including sleepsacks, cribettes, helmets, child safety seats, and Stop the Bleed kits. The grant will also fund the development of a new gun safety booklet for distribution throughout the community.
Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children – Preventing SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome
As Hawaii’s busiest birthing hospital—with more than 6,200 births annually—Kapi‘olani Medical Center provides key safety education before families even leave the hospital. One core initiative is the Period of PURPLE Crying program, which helps caregivers understand normal infant crying patterns and reduces the risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma.
With a $23,843.88 grant, the hospital will:
- Purchase portable cribs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Distribute educational materials on the PURPLE program to 6,600 families across two islands
These efforts aim to prevent tragic outcomes through early intervention and education.
Together, We’re Saving Lives
Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund can support innovative, life-saving programs that protect children and families across California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Together, we are creating safer communities and building a better future for children.