Local Exchange Club raises awareness of child abuse

The Exchange Club of Beaufort is joining with nearly 800 Exchange Clubs across the country to create greater public awareness of the seriousness of child abuse and what can be done to prevent it.  In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, The Exchange Club of Beaufort has donated 15 cribs to the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA). There have been several deaths linked to co-sleeping in Beaufort County. In an effort to address this problem and create greater public awareness and participation, the Exchange Club of Beaufort is participating in this project and many other programs highlighting the prevention of child abuse during the month of April.
Accidental rollovers occur most frequently in infants younger than six months, yet can occur up to the age of 3. Because babies are weak and still developing, accidentally rolling over a baby can injure the child for life. These injuries can include brain swelling and damage, blindness, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, hearing loss, paralysis and death.
Child abuse prevention was adopted in 1979 as the national project of The National Exchange Club. Since then, the National Exchange Club Foundation has organized a nationwide network of more than 100 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers, and has helped approximately 1.7 million children and 691,000 families break the cycle of child abuse and neglect.
The Child Abuse Prevention Association of Beaufort County consists of many volunteers who are also members of the Exchange Club.  The supportive relationship between CAPA and The Exchange Club is helping to break the cycle of abuse. Help make a difference in the life of a child and join the Exchange Club or become a volunteer for CAPA. Exchange, America’s Premier Service Club, is working to make our communities better places to live. For more information, contact club president Melissa Beere at 843-263-0866.