``Tampa Newborn Saved''; ``A Safe Haven for Newborns'' and Florida Law Credited.

News & Health Editors

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2002

On Tuesday, October 15th at 3:30 AM, a one-hour-old infant boy was left at the Pinellas Park Fire Station # 33 in Pinellas County Florida. The baby was handed over to Firefighter Ken Vandermeir by an unidentified young man just as the firefighter had returned from a call. Firefighter Vandermeir stated, "I think it was pretty amazing that I showed up at that particular time."

Local media helped get the word out with its support of "Safe Haven for Newborns." Bay News 9 in Tampa has been broadcasting the "Safe Haven for Newborns" 30-second public service announcement on a regular basis at various times throughout the day for many months. A state-wide effort is currently underway to encourage other media outlets to either air or print public service announcements and advertisements.

The Florida Legislature passed a law in 2001, sponsored by Representative Sandra Murman of Tampa in District 56, which allows a parent to leave their newborn baby of approximately 3 days old or less, at any Florida fire rescue station, EMS station, or hospital emergency room without fear of prosecution and totally anonymous. This law was passed in response to the numerous tragedies of Florida's newborn babies being left in dangerous places where they are not likely to survive. This bill is not the final answer to the social problems contributing to the cause of infant abandonment, but does provide a compassionate approach to saving the lives of innocent and helpless babies.

The Gloria M. Silverio Foundation, "A Safe Haven for Newborns" organization began in 2001 in response to the tragedy of newborn abandonment. The founding purpose and continuing mission of the foundation is to save the lives of newborns in danger of being abandoned and to help preserve the health and future of their mothers. Everyone associated with the organization is a volunteer - no salaries are paid or benefits provided.

The goal of the organization is to outreach to all 67 counties in the state of Florida. This is being achieved by the following:

-- Chapters headed up by volunteers in the communities to promote and maintain awareness of the program. PSA's, flyers, posters, brochures, etc. are provided.

-- A toll free 24/7 multi-lingual referral helpline.

-- Media events and interviews

-- Billboard promotions (www.asafehavenfornewborns.co m/bulletin%20-%20Via.%20S.%20 Fl..jpg)

-- Begin compiling and maintaining information and statistics regarding the effectiveness of the law.

-- Be the primary information resource in Florida relating to this complex societal problem which affects people of all races, cultures and economic backgrounds.

-- Public Service Announcements for: T.V., radio and print media. (English, Spanish, Creole)

Based on the information available, six babies have been saved in Florida due to this law and the awareness campaign. Please help us to continue to put a stop to these tragedies! You can help by calling: [phone] Ext. 103 or email us at: [e-mail].