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Those attending will include representatives from the National Safe HavenAlliance in Indiana current and retired legislators who cosponsored thelegislation in 2000, EMT professionals, nurses, social workers,representatives from the media, and, most importantly, babies (now toddlersand elementary age children) and their families who have benefited from SafeHaven legislation.
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The point of such a declaration is to help raise the awareness of SafeHaven laws among young women facing crisis pregnancies and contemplatingunsafe abandonment like the fate that befell Baby Ephraim, who in 2001 frozeto death when he was abandoned only yards away from the emergency-roomentrance of an Indianapolis hospital. It was a grim reminder that even thougha law was on the books to help Ephraim, greater awareness is critical. Sevenyears later, all fifty states have adopted Safe Haven legislation, but thechallenge remains to raise awareness among emergency-medical professionals,and most importantly, young mothers.
Tragically, the Safe Haven message has not reached everyone, as thousandsof mothers from across the country opted last year to unsafely abandon theirnewborns, many with tragic consequences. To help change that, a number ofstates have passed legislative initiatives requiring the conspicuous postingof Safe Haven signage at hospitals, fire stations, and police stations. In2009 the National Safe Haven Alliance in Indiana will ask the Indiana GeneralAssembly to pass this legislation.
The event and media planning is being handled by Floyd and Partners publicrelations. Those interested in attending should call (317) 348-1015 to helpensure an accurate head count.
Contact: Christopher Mann, (260) 469-3090 [email protected]
SOURCE National Safe Haven Alliance in Indiana
