Community Partners Host Seventh Annual Child Abuse Prevention Symposium
Each April - in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month - Crescent House, Atrium Health Navicent encourages discussion of this important issue through an annual Child Abuse Prevention Symposium.
The seventh annual Child Abuse Prevention Symposium, scheduled Wednesday, April 10 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., will take place at The Medical Center, Navicent Health's Peyton Anderson Health Education Center, located at 877 Hemlock Street in Macon.
Topics at this year's symposium include the human trafficking of child abuse victims in central Georgia, interviewing techniques that will not traumatize a child, age appropriate sexual abuse education, among other topics. Keynote speaker C. David Moody will speak on "Trauma Into Triumph."
This event is open to the public. Law enforcement, social workers, healthcare professionals and educators are particularly encouraged to attend. Participants may register at www.navicenthealth.org ($30 registration fee, $15 for students with student ID).
"April is a time to recognize that each member of the community has a role in promoting the social and emotional wellbeing of children and families. Ending the cycle of abuse and neglect is an effort that requires the vigilance of all members of our community. Crescent House and Atrium Health Navicent are pleased to partner with Macon-Bibb County, as well as the Board of Education, Division of Family and Children's Services, District Attorney's Office, local law enforcement and public safety agencies and healthcare organizations to address this issue," said Kemberlie Sanderson, Manager of Crescent House, Atrium Health Navicent.
Since beginning services in 1997, Crescent House, Atrium Health Navicent - a children's advocacy center designed to meet the needs of children who have made allegations of abuse - has cared for approximately 12,300 children. Crescent House is not a shelter but a facility supplied with state-of-the-art equipment that enables specially trained professionals to conduct effective, consistent, non-threatening interviews and examinations of children who have made these allegations. It is a "one-stop shop," utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach to the investigation, treatment and prevention of child abuse.
Exchange Club of Macon and Crescent House, Atrium Health Navicent have partnered annually to sponsor the Child Abuse Prevention Symposium. This year marks the seventh year of this symposium and the partners are pleased to lead the community discussion and efforts to combat abuse and neglect.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for healthcare consumers' through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.