On the evening of March 31, 2009 three little kids and one giant light switch sparked the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month. A special lighting ceremony at The Children's Hospital, featuring hospital CEO Jim Shmerling, Dr. Andrew Sirotnak, director of the Kempe Child Protection Team, Deb Wallace, Aurora City Councilwoman, and Jesse Wolff, president and CEO of The Kempe Foundation, addressed the need to increase awareness of this critical issue and to educate on its prevention. Councilwoman Deb Wallace announced that Mayor Tauer has declared April "Child Abuse Prevention Month."

The Kempe Foundation for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect has partnered with Colorado's businesses, government, and community leaders for the "Get Your Blue On" campaign, which has designated blue as the color of Child Abuse Prevention. At dusk, children turned on blue lights lining Children's Way to symbolize hope for the future and protecting children from harm.

Child abuse is one of the leading causes of death for children, both nationally and locally. Each year, nearly one million children suffer from abuse or neglect in the U.S. In Colorado, this translates to almost 9,000 children. At The Children's Hospital, the only Level One Pediatric Trauma Center in the region, child abuse is the number one cause of death for patients admitted to the hospital's trauma program. The Kempe Child Protection Team at The Children's Hospital cares for more than 1,000 children each year who are victims of abuse or neglect.

The Children's Hospital is the first of many establishments to "Get their Blue On" this month; the Capitol Dome, the Denver City and County building, and the Pepsi Center will all display blue ribbons or lights in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. In addition to partnering to promote awareness, The Children's Hospital and Kempe lead the Kohl's Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Campaign ( calmacryingbaby.org) which educates about infant crying and how to manage caregiver frustrations that may arise when caring for a crying baby. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a factor in many child abuse deaths.

Individuals are also encouraged to do their part--at any size--to help put an end to child abuse in their communities. "It may be something as simple as wearing a blue ribbon, writing a letter to the editor, or learning about the signs of abuse and neglect. Every action, symbol or conversation on this issue helps us educate our communities and gives us hope that we are working together to ensure that all children have a happy and promising future," said Jesse Wolff, president and CEO of The Kempe Foundation.

By coming together as a community and supporting parents and caregivers, we can make a difference. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.kempe.org.