Mitchell County Public Health Adds Certified Car Seat Technicians to Improve Child Safety Services

Osage, Iowa — Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health is proud to announce that two of its team members, Jessa Ketelsen & Laura Huisman, have recently become nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) through the Safe Kids Worldwide certification program. This achievement makes them the only two currently certified technicians in all of Mitchell County.

With this new certification, Mitchell County families now have direct access to expert guidance on how to safely install and use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts for children of all ages. The technicians are equipped to perform hands-on seat checks, educate caregivers, and ensure that every child travels safely.

“We are thrilled to offer this service to our community,” said Laura Huisman, Administrator of Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health. “Car seat misuse is common, and having trained technicians locally means we can offer timely, expert help that may save lives.”

This initiative reinforces Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and safety of local families.

Upcoming Car Seat Check Events
To celebrate and put this expanded capacity to work, Mitchell County Public Health is hosting two Car Seat Check Events:

• Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
   

Location: Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health, 415 Pleasant Street, Osage, IA 50461

Appointments Are Required
To ensure every family receives personalized assistance, appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling (641) 832-3500.

During the event, certified technicians will:

• Inspect car seats for proper installation
• Educate caregivers on correct seat use for various ages and sizes
• Check for manufacturer recalls or expiration
• Provide hands-on support in both rear- and forward-facing installations

To schedule a car seat inspection or learn more, contact:
Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health
Phone: 641-832-3500
Website: www.mcpublichealth.com

Posted June 10, 2025