Focus on Pediatrics-Relationship strengthens kids safety message
November 1, 1999 3 minutes read
Focus on Pediatrics-Relationship strengthens kids safety message
Safe T. Tiger mascot sets good example for kids
Letters from parents enthusiastically support the Safe T. Tiger program implemented by Denver-based Colorado Access in December 1996. Children who shrug off advice on sound safety practices, like wearing a bicycle helmet, often embrace the idea when they find out it is something Safe T. Tiger wants them to do.
"We get a lot of feedback from parents telling us that this program is really successful at enforcing good safety behavior with their children," says Heather Vajda, MS, public relations manager for Colorado Access, an HMO that serves the Medicaid population.
One of the reasons for the program's success is that Safe T. Tiger is real to the children. As with other mascots, children perceive the character as a friend. Also, they can have an interactive relationship with Safe T. Tiger because he visits clinics, goes on hospital rounds, and makes appearances at public events.
The program has four components. They are:
1. Health Education Club.
When a family enrolls in Colorado Access children age 12 and under can become a member of the Health Education Club. They fill out a membership form and send it in, and Safe T. Tiger mails them a membership certificate and kit that contains interactive games and puzzles with a health and safety theme.
Children learn about the club through the HMO's newsletter, brochures at clinics, and infrequently through a mass mailing. "The children voluntarily sign up for membership. We want the kids who voluntarily choose to be active and are interested," says Vajda.
2. Tiger Rounds.
Safe T. Tiger goes to the hospital to visit with sick children. "The idea behind this is to give the children and their parents a few minutes out of the day when they are not getting poked with needles or they are not being taken someplace for an exam. It is something to brighten their day," explains Lori Thompson, MSW, community relations manager for Colorado Access.
3. Safe T. Tiger Hotline.
Children can call a hotline and listen to a safety message from Safe T. Tiger in either Spanish or English. The message, which might focus on wearing a seat belt or wearing sunscreen, is changed once a month. Every time Safe T. Tiger makes a public appearance, he passes out cards with the hotline number.
4. Community Ambassador.
Safe T. Tiger acts as a community ambassador by attending public functions such as health fairs and performing in short skits at schools. Currently, the skit promotes tolerance, explaining that everyone is special even if they wear hand-me-down clothes or glasses. To deliver the message, Safe T. Tiger interacts with a "friend" on stage.
Choose mascot with care
A program focusing on safety seemed a logical choice for Colorado Access, because injury is the No. 1 cause of health care problems for kids, according to Vajda. Yet, choosing a mascot to promote the theme of the program is not as easy as it looks. A mascot that seems friendly to an adult might frighten small children. Also, some animals might symbolize something bad in another culture, such as death.
"Look for some mascot expertise within your community and talk to them," advises Thompson. "Also, do some research on the mascot itself. You don't want to pull an animal or other idea for a mascot out of the air." Local teams such as baseball or basketball often have mascots that committee members working on such a project can talk with.
A mascot-based program will need a strong base of volunteers as well. Colorado Access has employees that volunteer to be the mascot or help support the mascot. Safe T. Tiger does not speak, but has a friend interpret.
The mascot also must learn how to communicate in costume. "Mascots can't rely on facial expressions, so they need to communicate their message by using their body without their voice or face," says Thompson. A mascot or a professional clown can help with the training.
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