![\"Pinwheel-planting-2016-002\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/news\/files\/2016\/04\/Pinwheel-planting-2016-002-1.jpg\")
Employees and staff of Cooper University Health Care \u201cplanted\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cChild abuse and neglect ruin children\u2019s lives,\u201d said Kathryn M. McCans, MD, FAAP, attending physician in Cooper\u2019s department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and expert in child abuse and neglect. \u00a0\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s \u201cPinwheels for Prevention\u201d campaign to recognize and educate our community on the problem.<\/p>\n
\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 a child\u2019s life,\u201d implored Dr. McCans.<\/p>\n