On April 13, 2015, employees and staff of Cooper University Health Care \u201cplanted\u201d 59 blue pinwheels on the front lawn of the hospital outside the Roberts Pavilion in recognition of National Child Abuse Awareness Month. The pinwheels 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.<\/p>\n
Every year, 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly six million children. Cooper is partnering with Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey\u2019s \u201cPinwheels for Prevention\u201d campaign to recognize and educate our community on child neglect.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a pediatric emergency physician, I have seen far too many cases of child abuse come through my doors,\u201d said Kathryn M. McCans, MD, FAAP, attending physician in Cooper\u2019s department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and expert in child abuse and neglect. \u201cThese children deserve better and it\u2019s 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 someone\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n