Saint Joseph London and Community Partners Promoting Child Safety During Child Abuse Awareness Month - Archived

For More Information:

David McArthur, Senior Manager, Media Relations
502.562.7016 or 502.648.3411
[email protected]

 
Saint Joseph London and Community Partners Promoting Child Safety
During Child Abuse Awareness Month
Two events to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect

London, Ky. (April 2, 2018) – April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time when many community organizations across the country work together to help prevent child abuse. Each year in the United States, nearly 700,000 children are abused, according to the National Children’s Alliance. To help raise awareness of child abuse, neglect and other crimes against children, Saint Joseph London, part of KentuckyOne Health, has joined together with community child advocacy agencies in London for two upcoming events at the hospital.

“During Child Abuse Awareness Month, it’s important that we all work together to help prevent child maltreatment and neglect,” said Mollie Harris, violence prevention coordinator, Saint Joseph London. “Through prevention, education and awareness, we can help make a difference in the lives of children.”

On Friday, April 13 at 8 p.m., Saint Joseph London will turn its fountain blue during a lighting ceremony at the hospital. The color blue and a blue ribbon are often worn during Child Abuse Awareness Month, to serve as a reminder of the need to protect children.

On Saturday, April 14, a free child-friendly event will be held from noon-3 p.m. at the Saint Joseph London Lake Walking Path, to help bring awareness to child abuse. Program speakers include Jacob Hyde, University of Kentucky football player and local child advocate; Robert Goforth, State Representative, District 89; Tony Brown, local native and child advocate; and Mike Wynn, Grace Health.

Activities set to take place at the April 14 event include pinwheel planting for community members and games for children. Artwork from students at Hunter Hills, Sublimity and Wyan-Pine elementary schools will be showcased during the event, and a community photo will be taken at 2 p.m. with participants forming the shape of a ribbon.

Local child advocacy leaders and vendors will also be on-site with information, and door prizes will be given away. Food and light refreshments will be provided.

Additional partners for these two events include Treetop Adventure at Levi Jackson State Park, WellCare, and the Safe Child Coalition. The events are made possible through the Violence Prevention Grant from CHI Mission and Ministry.

For more information on these events, call 606.330.7380.

About Saint Joseph London
Saint Joseph London, part of KentuckyOne Health, is a 120-bed full service hospital located in London, KY. The current $152 million regional hospital opened in 2010 featuring the latest technology along with nationally ranked, award-winning services. All patient rooms are private, with most overlooking a small lake and garden on the 52-acre healing environment. Saint Joseph London was founded in 1926 and treats patients from southeastern Kentucky, including those from Clay, Laurel, Jackson, Whitley, Knox and Pulaski counties.

About KentuckyOne Health
KentuckyOne Health, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth, and includes hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies in Kentucky and southern Indiana. KentuckyOne Health is dedicated to bringing wellness, healing and hope to all, including the underserved.

 
                                                                                     ###