With bags of candy and toys in hand, it was a beautiful day for a walk with Santa Claus. Families cautiously peeked out from their balconies and windows at first, hearing the Christmas music playing from Cook Children's Teddy Bear Transport and a loud "Ho, ho, ho!" from Santa.

For the first time, the Teddy Bear Transport team gave Santa's reindeer some extra nap time before Christmas Eve, taking Santa on a ride-along through the Las Vegas Trail Community on Saturday.

“Seeing children light up as Santa arrived in their own neighborhood was a powerful reminder that joy and connection can be created anywhere, especially when families are met with care and heart," said Sky Ramos, a community health worker at Cook Children’s Neighborhood Health Center Las Vegas Trail.

The Fort Worth Police Department guided Santa and Teddy Bear Transport through three neighborhoods: Broadmoor, Cambridge, and Casa de Los Sueños.

Children rode on their bikes, while others ran with their arms wide open; parents followed closely, carrying their babies. Santa greeted everyone while his "elves" distributed candy canes, small presents and information about the health center.

“We were handing out candy and small toys to kids and parents, but we were the ones actually receiving a gift,” said Veronica Tolley, Cook Children’s vice president of primary and specialty services. “It really hit home when one of our recently graduated students from the training center ran out of her apartment smiling ear to ear so we could see her graduation certificate.”

In true holiday spirit, Cook Children’s Health Care System showed up for its community. All goodies were prepared by Cook Children's administration, the Center for Community Health (C4CH), Cook Children’s Health Plan (CCHP), and Child Life.

It’s just one small step towards a big effort to enhance the quality of life for this Fort Worth Community. 

"It was a great morning, change takes time and we will not give up,” said Lenee Bassham, Director, Child Safety at The Center for Community Health at Cook Children's. 

For the staff on the ground, that change begins with a single point of connection. 

“Just sharing a smile and a candy cane can make a difference in one's whole mindset, for both the children and adults,” said Dana Walraven, strategic partnerships manager at the neighborhood health center. “I think we achieved that, along with letting families know about the services available.”

Santa's work is never done. He continued the celebration at the Las Vegas Trail Rise Community Center. Paige Charbonnet, executive director of LVT Rise, led her annual Christmas event, ensuring families all across the community received a bit of cheer. According to Santa, almost everyone was on the Nice List this year.

Sergeant A.S. Owen of the Fort Worth Police Department was excited to see Santa and the community gather for holiday fun.

“I can tell you that effort changed the sentiment around that neighborhood, even if it's just a little, for everyone that saw y'all and will continue to chip at that community in such a positive way year-round,” said Sgt. Owen.

Learn more about the Cook Children's Neighborhood Health Center Las Vegas Trail and its services, classes, and events click here.

By Francesca Brown

In 2023, more than 223,000 deaths occurred in the U.S. due to preventable injuries, according to National Injury Prevention Day. This represents a rate 95% higher than in 1992. The message is clear — injuries are not always accidents, and with thoughtful strategy and awareness, lives can be saved.

Prevention does not have to be a long or tedious process. 

“You can prevent an injury and save a life by taking a few moments of your day to safe-proof your home,” said Eric Gonzalez, program manager for injury prevention at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children’s Health Care System. 

Every two minutes, a preventable injury-related death occurs in the U.S. Simple steps like locking up medications, placing babies in safe sleep environments, and locking and unloading firearms can dramatically reduce the risk of tragedy.

Shining Green for Safety

Cook Children's Medical Center Fort Worth, will join health organizations across the country in shining green on Nov. 18, National Injury Prevention Day. The color symbolizes safety, health, and “all good things along life’s path,” the motto for National Injury Prevention Day. Along with this symbolic gesture, the Injury Prevention Team will offer sweet treats, educational handouts, and safety resources to families and staff across Cook Children’s Fort Worth and Prosper medical centers, as well as the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center.

Keeping the Conversation Going

“Conversations prompt action,” said Gonzalez.

Although Nov. 18 is the official day of recognition, the importance of injury prevention continues year-round. Gonzalez encourages children, friends, and neighbors to make safety conversations a regular part of daily life.

“It’s not about telling someone they’re doing something wrong,” he explained. “It’s about teaching each other how to prevent injuries and keep our loved ones safe”.

Cook Children’s injury prevention team educates families, children, and community partners on drowning prevention, gun safety, poison prevention, safe baby sleep, and vehicle safety.

If you are passionate about making a difference, consider becoming an Injury Prevention Ambassador or attending a community safety training.

For more information, email injury.prevention@cookchildrens.com.

Fast Facts

• In 2023, the U.S. recorded over 48,000 firearm-related deaths.
• Preventable injuries are the No. 1 cause of death for Americans ages 1–44.
• Falls are the No. 2 cause and lead to over 8.8 million nonfatal injury visits each year.
• Motor vehicle crashes remain in the top three for both fatal and nonfatal injuries.