Employees and staff of Cooper University Health Care “planted” a pinwheel garden on the front lawn of Cooper University Hospital in honor of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month. The 59 blue pinwheels placed represent the approximately 59,000 households in Camden County with children under the age of 18. In addition, the exterior of Cooper University Hospital is aglow in blue lights throughout the month of April to bring further awareness.
“Child abuse and neglect ruin children’s lives,” said Kathryn M. McCans, MD, FAAP, attending physician in Cooper’s department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and expert in child abuse and neglect. “The pinwheel garden brings much-needed attention to the problem and is a stunning reminder how important it is for everyone to play a role in proving our children with a safe and nurturing life.”
According to the most recent statistics, more than 700,000 children annually are victims of maltreatment. More than 1,500 died as a result of abuse or neglect. Cooper is partnering with Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign to recognize and educate our community on the problem.
“These children deserve better and it’s our job to raise awareness and get these families help before another innocent child is hurt. Speak up and tell someone if you suspect abuse, you could be saving a child’s life,” implored Dr. McCans.
Prevent Child Abuse America’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign is an effort created to change the way our nation thinks about prevention and how we can deliver on our commitment to America’s children. The blue pinwheels are the new symbol for child abuse and are an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve. To learn more please visit pinwheelsforprevention.org.
Contact: Wendy A. Marano
Cooper University Health Care
marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu
Office: 856.382.6469
Cell: 856.904.1688