Program Highlights:

• ThinkFirst of Greater Kansas City was launched in 1987 by sponsoring neurosurgeon Robert A. Morantz, MD. Funding for the establishment of the ThinkFirst chapter was provided by The Research Foundation
• The chapter has 11 VIP speakers who deliver more than 100 school-based programs reaching more than 25,000 youth annually
• Bicycle helmets are distributed to children in the greater Kansas City area, including the urban core. Since the program was
  established, more than 5,000 youth have received and been fitted with bicycle helmets
• In 1997, the Young Traffic Offenders Program (YTOP) was established in greater Kansas City. YTOP offers area judges a new way to deter young people from speeding, driving impaired and other driving-related offenses. The program is attended by drivers ages 15 to 24. In partnership with Research Medical Center and Independence Regional Health Center, a total of 30 YTOP programs are conducted annually
• The chapter rolled out ThinkFirst For Kids in the Kansas City area in 1998
• In 2000, the chapter collaborated with the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Attack to promote safety in memory of Kansas City Chief, Derrick Thomas, who died as the result of an automobile crash when he was not wearing a seatbelt