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Bicycle accidents are the leading cause of sports-related concussions in American children. Yet, only 15 percent of kids wear helmets.

Students at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth are working to change that. During the past year, 600 helmets have been distributed to Fort Worth children at no cost, and fitted by Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine student doctors.

Helmets are donated by the Tarrant County Medical Alliance and the Texas Medical Association and are distributed at various Fort Worth events where TCOM students show the youngsters how to wear the helmet and be safe on their bikes. "We would not be able to do this program without the TCOM students," said Pennie Ellis, who chairs the project for the alliance.

"Wearing a helmet is required by law in Fort Worth, and children are more likely to if it fits well and feels comfortable."

"This program provides free helmets to a population that might otherwise not be able to afford them, and also educates the public on the importance of helmet use among youth," said Amir Ahmadian, a second-year student and ex-president of TCOM’s TMA chapter.

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