Prevention is, of course, the best medicine.
And in many cases, prevention is as easy as providing people with information.
That was thinking behind a video unveiled last year and being distributed to new parents at 46 birthing centers in Kentucky. The video provides information about safe sleep practices and the dangers of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma.
“Many of us remember taking a baby home from the hospital and thinking ‘Where’s the instruction book?’” said Bill Jones, Plan President and CEO of WellCare of Kentucky, who helped sponsor the video. “This video doesn’t provide answers for all of parenthood’s challenges, but it will give parents vital information to help keep children safe. As the largest Medicaid provider in Kentucky, we believe strongly in the importance of prevention practices. Often, information IS prevention.”
The Kentucky Public Health Association recently honored Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, WellCare of Kentucky and the Kentucky Hospital Association for their work, sponsoring, developing and distributing the video.
“This video is a great example of how we can improve public health by arming people with the information they need at the moment they are ready to receive it,” said Louise Kent, 2019-2020 Vice President of the Kentucky Public Health Association.
The video was especially moving when it focused on the story of Liz Renner, and her son Colton. Colton, who is now 4, suffered Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma at the hands of a caregiver when he was an infant.
“My hope is our personal story can be shared with as many new parents as possible so others can prevent this type of trauma from happening to their babies,” said Renner.
