Free local workshop to focus on child abuse

LANCASTER – “If you see something, say something.” That is the theme for a free workshop on child abuse hosted by Antelope Valley Hospital’s Forensic Services Unit.

The workshop will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the hospital’s Community Resource Center, located at 44151 15th Street West in Lancaster.

“Child abuse and neglect are public health issues,” stated FSU Director Mary Reina, MSN, RN. “Antelope Valley Hospital is striving to improve the collaborative efforts to address the needs of the silent victims of maltreatment. We need community awareness and participation to protect our children.”

Reina will be one of the presenters at the symposium. Other speakers will include:

• Aaron Miller, pediatrician with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
• Denise Bertone, RN, Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
• Sergeant Brian Hudson, Los Angeles County Sheriff Special Victim’s Unit.
• Jon Hatami and Ted Swanson, deputy district attorneys from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
• A representative from the Child and Family Guidance Center

Continuing education units (CEUs) are available from the California Board of Registered Nursing. For more information call 661-949-5572 or email mary.reina@avhospital.org.

More on AVH’s Forensic Services Unit

Realizing that violence is a healthcare issue, the Antelope Valley Healthcare District has been helping victims of crime for more than 35 years. Created in 2010, the Forensic Services Unit assesses, documents, photographs, collects evidence for and sometimes testifies on behalf of victims of assault. The only program of its kind in California, the FSU cares for more than 1,000 patients every year.

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[Information via news release from Antelope Valley Hospital.]