The Texas Medical Association’s Hard Hats for Little Heads (HHLH) bicycle helmet giveaway program was created in 1994 at the recommendation of a TMA member who recognized the power of TMA and TMAA members joining together to help reduce head injury among Texas children. This collaboration has been amplified thanks to a generous TMA and TMAA member couple who since 2012 have annually matched donations to HHLH dollar for dollar up to $10,500! TMAF’s campaign to secure this matching grant is called “Make-A-Difference.”

How You Can Make A Difference. Each year at the TMAF gala, donors rise to the challenge and contribute to this matching grant opportunity called “Make-A-Difference.” Although this year’s gala could not be held due to the COVID-19 outbreak, you can “Make-A-Difference” in the lives of Texas youth by donating to this year’s campaign. Your donation will ensure that volunteer TMA/TMAA members and their community collaborators have the helmets and educational tools to ensure little Texans ride safely. Helmets are distributed at community events hosted by TMA physicians, TMA Alliance members (spouses and partners of physicians), and Texas medical students, where young people and their parents learn how to properly fit and wear the helmet and are asked to sign a pledge card  signifying they will wear the helmet every time they ride.

Hard Hats community events include bike safety rodeos, school fitness competitions, and health and safety fairs, and frequently are held in collaboration with schools, churches, civic groups, not-for-profit youth groups, fire/police/EMS and others. Community based events that provide free helmets, such as Hard Hats, can increase the odds of a child wearing a helmet four-fold, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.