October News and Events
Below, Becky Ruffner showcases her award next to Dr. Melissa Merrick, the executive director of Prevent Child Abuse America.
Highlight
Executive Director Becky Ruffner presented with James Hmurovich Award for Leadership in Prevention
In her final year as PCA Arizona executive director Becky Ruffner was recognized at the Prevent Child Abuse America national conference with the James Hmurovich Award. Recipients are selected by fellow state chapter directors throughout the country. This award is given to a PCA America Chapter Executive Director for leadership in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. As the founding director, Becky has committed 30 years of her career with PCA Arizona to providing solutions to community needs that support Arizona families.

One nomination states: “I believe that Becky understood the meaning and value of ‘collective impact’ LONG before it was a common term in social services! She realized, decades ago, that to truly provide a statewide ‘reach and impact’ in a state as large and diverse as Arizona, she had to partner with other like-minded, quality organizations...and she has done exactly that!”
Impact Story
ACEs, Trauma, & Substance Exposure - Standards of Care for Infants and Toddlers
This inaugural convening was produced in partnership with members of the Statewide Task Force on Preventing Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Other Drugs, led by Dr. Sara Park, Chief Medical Officer of the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, and managed by Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. The program focused on the identification, referral and treatment of infants and toddlers who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, or have been exposed to substances in utero.

Many participants said the convening re-affirmed the approach they take to their work. “I will continue applying the trauma-aware approach and provide compassionate, non-judgmental care to the families I serve,” said one participant. “I will listen to them and work to understand barriers and concerns from their perspective.”
Safe Sleep Awareness Month
Every 5 days, a baby suffocates in Arizona.
It happens in rocking chairs, on couches, in car seats, in bassinets, and in beds. October is National Safe Sleep Awareness month as well as Domestic Violence Awareness month. For the first time in Arizona, in addition to lighting the Capitol dome purple to raise awareness surrounding Domestic Violence, the Governor has issued a Proclamation on Safe Sleep. 
CDC Releases "Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)" Report

Today we have access to decades of research in primary prevention methods. In the CDC's Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs):Leveraging the Best Available Evidence, data is compiled to showcase what works. Together, we must prioritize implementation of these methods to prevent ACEs throughout Arizona.
This resource features six strategies to prevent ACEs: 
  • Strengthen economic supports for families
  • Promote social norms that protect against violence and adversity
  • Ensure a strong start for children, helping to pave the way for them to reach their full potential
  • Teach skills to help parents and youth handle stress, manage emotions, and tackle everyday challenges
  • Connect youth to caring adults and activities
  • Intervene to lessen immediate and long-term harm
Fundraising
Charitable remainder Trust
A charitable remainder trust benefits the charity of your choosing after your death, while providing you income as well as potential tax benefits during your lifetime.

An asset is transferred from your estate to create the trust. You have the option to receive regular income from that trust throughout the rest of your life. After your death, the remainder of the value that asset is gifted to the charity that you select.
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As a 501(c)3 organization, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona is eligible to receive bequests. Please contact Rebekah Prieto at [email protected] if you would like to discuss including
Prevent Child Abuse Arizona in your legacy.
Tax ID #86-0832901
Prevent Child Abuse Arizona is shifting the public conversation about child maltreatment so that prevention is the priority. The organization provides research-based prevention services, education and training to help promote strong families and safe, healthy children. For more information, visit pcaaz.org.