At the pinwheel planting event (from left to right): Pediatrician Maria McColgan, MD; Social Worker Rita Varano, MSW; Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician Kathryn McCans, MD; Robyn Harvey, Executive Director, Women and Children’s Services; Health Coach Chantay Harris; and Michael Goodman, MD, Chief of the Department of Pediatrics.
Employees and staff of Cooper University Health Care and Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper “planted” a pinwheel garden on the front lawn of the hospital in honor of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month. 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 providing our children with a safe and nurturing life.”
Pinwheels for Prevention logo (c)
Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey (PCA-NJ)
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.
###
More photos can be seen on Flickr by clicking here.
# # #
Wendy A. Marano
Public Relations Manager
marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu
Office: 856.382.6463