For Release:  Feb. 22, 2010 - Pamela Williams, Office of Communications - (405) 271-5601

Statewide Project Invites Community Participation
“Build a Blue Ribbon Tree” to Help Prevent Child Abuse

The Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Action Committee invites every community to take action for children by participating in their third annual “Build a Blue Ribbon Tree for Kids” campaign. The blue ribbon is the international sign for child abuse prevention and serves as a constant reminder that all of us have a responsibility in helping to protect children.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) along with various community organizations are working together to build a “Blue Ribbon Tree” state.  Blue Ribbon Trees will be blossoming throughout Oklahoma communities in April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The theme for this year is, “It’s Your Turn to Make a Difference in the Life of a Child.” Tree photos will also be highlighted and displayed during the Child Abuse Prevention Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, and in the Child Abuse Prevention Month official scrapbook.

A "Tree Registry" form is provided for people and organizations to register their trees with the OSDH Office of Child Abuse Prevention. To participate, trees must be completed and registered before April 5, 2011. The registration form is also available to print from the OSDH Web site at http://fsps.health.ok.gov.

To “Build a Blue Ribbon Tree,” select any materials you choose. If using a living tree, choose a highly visible location and secure needed permission. Creativity is encouraged.  Decorate tree with blue ribbons to represent any of the following:

• The confirmed number of abused and neglected children in your county
• The number of new babies born in your community
• Or to show your community’s support for children, or something   important to your organization, agency, program, or community

Mail, fax or e-mail the following completed form to: Sherie Trice, OSDH Community Based Child Abuse Prevention Grant Coordinator, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Family Support and Prevention Service, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK  73117-1299, or call (405)271-7611, fax to (405) 271-1011, or e-mail SherieT@health.ok.gov.

TREE REGISTRY
Build a Blue Ribbon Tree in Your Community

Please complete the information below to register your tree or trees for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Name of Group or Organization: ___________________________________________________

Contact Person: _______________________________________________________________

 Address: _____________________________________________________________________

 County: _____________________________________________________________________

 Telephone: ______________________________Fax:__________________________________

 E-Mail: ______________________________________________________________________

 Number of Blue Ribbon Trees: “Live” __________ or “Your Own Creation”_________

 Location of Blue Ribbon Trees: ____________________________________________________

                Example: Court House, Main Street, High School, Grade School, etc.

 What Do Your Blue Ribbons Represent: _____________________________________________

                Example:  # of Abused/Neglected Children in your County, # of New Babies in your Community,               Blue Ribbons for support of all children, etc.

Trees must be completed and registered PRIOR to April 5, 2011. Please e-mail pictures of your completed trees to: SherieT@health.ok.gov (limit – no more than two photos for each tree registry). Photos will be displayed during the Child Abuse Prevention Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, and in the Child Abuse Prevention Month official scrapbook.