(July 17, 2002)
Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey and Marc Cherna, Director of Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) were at PNC Park to kick off the County’s new child abuse prevention campaign with the unveiling of the anti-child abuse posters developed by DHS. Patty Paytas of the Pittsburgh Pirates announced the ball club’s participation in this unique effort to stop child abuse. She said that the posters are now placed in restrooms at PNC Park.

In this new County child abuse prevention endeavor, five posters, each depicting a child at an age ranging from infancy to teenage, were created. Each poster carries a message specific to parents or guardians who may be having trouble coping with the stress of child rearing.

Included on the posters is a memorable helpline number, 1-877-WARMLYN. Family Resources, Inc., an agency devoted to the prevention abuse by offering support to parents and strengthening families, is supplying and staffing the WARMLYN and tracking the number of calls received.

While the posters will be placed in other public areas, they were initially designed to be placed in public restrooms so that they will attract attention without drawing attention to the viewer. The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) is helping with distribution of the posters by asking their inspectors to take them to the restaurants, bars and other food serving facilities that they must inspect.

The poster warning about the harm that can be caused by shaking infants is particularly appropriate for the Men’s rooms of sports facilities and bars because most deaths and injuries to babies who have been violently shaken are caused by men. It is hoped that the images and messages on all of the posters will cause adults to reflect on their interactions with children and remind them that there is help and support available to them.

Also on hand for the announcement, were Walter Smith, Ph.D., Executive Director of Family Resources, Inc., Dr. Bruce Dixon, ACHD Director and Marcia Sturdivant, Ph.D., Deputy Director of DHS, Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF).