Who can sponsor an event?
Members of the TMA Family — physicians, county medical societies, medical students, and/or local alliance chapters — can sponsor events.
What does TMA provide for my giveaway?
TMA provides free helmets with your purchase of helmets. (See chart below for match amounts.) In addition, TMA offers:
- Customizable promotional flyers and envelope stuffers;
- Signage to credit TMA for its contribution of helmets at your event;
- Educational materials;
- T-shirts for event volunteers; and
- Merchandise for kids.
How much do the helmets cost?
TMA helmets cost $12 each, including shipping. Retail value of the helmet is $25. Helmets feature the TMA logo and meet Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements. Some available helmets, such as those for toddlers, vary slightly in price. TMA can provide an estimated cost on your purchase.
Does TMA match one-to-one on my helmet purchase?
It depends on the size of your purchase. The chart below details the match.
| Helmets Purchased by Sponsor |
|
|
|
Free Helmets From TMA |
| |
|
|
|
|
| 1-50 |
|
|
|
Equal Match |
| 51-200 |
|
|
|
50 |
| 201-400 |
|
|
|
80 |
| 401-600 |
|
|
|
125 |
| 601-800 |
|
|
|
200 |
| 801-1,000 |
|
|
|
250 |
| 1,001 or more |
|
|
|
400 |
I heard TNS and TPS buy helmets for their members to give away. Is that true?
Yes. The Texas Neurological Society (TNS) and Texas Pediatric Society (TPS) cover the cost of up to 25 helmets for their members who host a helmet giveaway. Then TMA provides an equal match of free helmets on the purchase, so physicians can get up to 50 helmets to give away.
These specialty societies provide helmets on a first-come, first-served basis as funding is limited. Physicians are welcome to use these helmets to support medical students, local alliance, or other community giveaways. When working with another organization(s), physicians should participate in the event by helping fit helmets or giving a safety presentation.
How long does it take to get the helmets?
Helmets typically ship directly to you from our supplier in five business days, though delivery may taken longer because of supply chain issues. To ensure on-time delivery, TMA recommends you order your helmets at least six weeks in advance of your event. Because of the volume of events during the spring and fall months, TMA suggests you submit your order as much as eight weeks in advance.
What sizes of helmets are available?
TMA offers helmets ranging from toddler to extra large to fit our target audience of kids aged 3-14.
How do I decide which sizes to order?
For events with kids of varying ages, such as a health fair, TMA recommends you order 40-50 percent of helmets in medium as this size fits most elementary-aged kids. You will want about 20-25 percent each of smalls and larges. Ordering about 5-10 percent of extra larges (an adult-sized helmet) will accommodate kids with lots of hair and larger heads. TMA also offers toddler helmets for preschoolers. You’ll receive a sizing chart in your order packet to assist you with ordering. If you can measure the kids’ heads before your event, such as a school event, you can more accurately order the correct helmet sizes.
How much time do I need to prepare for an event?
TMA suggests you allow at least two months to plan your event to ensure timely delivery of your helmets and materials. For events during key program months (April, May, and October), allow more time. TMA recommends you submit these orders at least six to eight weeks in advance because of the large number of orders TMA is processing.
Where do I give away the helmets?
You know your community best, so TMA encourages you to find a local venue that works well. That could be at a health/safety fair or community event, at a bike rodeo, in a physician’s office, at a school or in conjunction with a holiday bike giveaway.
What am I required to do at an event?
- Fit the helmets on kids’ heads. The key to safety is a properly fitted helmet, so we want the kids to leave with one fitted for them. If you’re not familiar with helmet fitting, TMA has a video to demonstrate proper fit. You could even wear a helmet at the event so kids can see how a helmet should fit — snugly and squarely on top of your head.
- Educate the kids (and parents) about helmet use/safety. A physician’s perspective on safety can make an impact on kids and parents alike. Perhaps you have personal stories of patients who were injured while cycling or participating in other sports on wheels. Or maybe you just give an impassioned talk about helmet safety.
Does Hard Hats provide helmets for events outside of Texas?
No, TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program is available only for Texas events.
For more information or to receive an order packet, email Tammy Wishard or call (512) 370-1470.
Hard Hats for Little Heads main page