DROWNING IMPACT AWARENESS MONTH

DROWNING IMPACT AWARENESS MONTH IN AUGUST
SAVE A LIFE: WEAR A PURPLE RIBBON

WHAT: Sixth Annual “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” Kickoff, signaling Arizona’s
commitment to child drowning prevention in August. The “purple ribbon”
campaign has distributed more than 50,000 ribbons around the state to date.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 28, 2009
10 a.m.

WHERE: Phoenix Children’s Hospital
1919 E. Thomas Road
(Media parking available on the east side of the Rosenburg Medical Plaza
just south of the main hospital entrance.)

CONTACT: Tiffaney Isaacson, Phoenix Children’s Hospital
(602) 546-1712 or cell (480) 510-0965


Historically, August has been the deadliest month of the year for child drownings, due to extreme heat and back-to-school distractions for families. However, Arizona has seen plenty of headlines already this summer about child drownings. As families struggle to pay for pool fences, swimming lessons, child care, and CPR instruction in this economic downturn, nine children have drowned to date in Maricopa County, as compared to eight children who drowned as of the same time last year.

Arizona unites again this August with the Annual “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” effort. The purple ribbon campaign increases awareness, and is coordinated by Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The key message is that “Awareness is Free,” and vital strategies like supervision can save lives.