NEWS RELEASE

Pinning Ceremony Tomorrow to Honor Child Abuse Prevention Supporters

The St. Louis County Council to Prevent Child Abuse will host a Blue Ribbon Pinning Ceremony tomorrow to honor some of those who have been instrumental in protecting children in our communities, at the St. Louis County Courthouse, 100 N. 5th Avenue West, Duluth, on Tuesday, April 6th, 2004, at 1:30 PM in the County Board Room. Area children will recognize honorees with the Blue Ribbon pin for child abuse prevention.

The President and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year’s theme, Gateways to Prevention - What Everyone Can Do to Prevent Child Abuse, focuses on raising awareness about prevention efforts and what every one of us can do to help keep children safe.

Child Abuse is a national problem; it affects children in every community. In 2001, three million reports of suspected child abuse were made, concerning the welfare of approximately five million children. In St. Louis County in 2003, there were 611 reports of alleged child abuse, and child abuse was determined in 350 of these cases. Of course, there are many incidents that go unreported.

During the past several years, the Blue Ribbon has been widely recognized as a national symbol of child abuse awareness. Wearing the Blue Ribbon shows a commitment to helping our communities raise happy and healthy children. For more information about the Blue Ribbon event or the Council to Prevent Child Abuse, please call Jean Larson at 218-725-5236.

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