HR 9063

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution designating May 2009 as "A Safe Haven for
3	Newborns Month" in Florida.
4
5	WHEREAS, across the United States, newborn babies are being
6	abandoned in canals, rivers, toilets, dumpsters, bags, and
7	similar places by parents who believe they have no other
8	alternative, and many of these children do not survive, and
9	WHEREAS, although the 2000 Legislature passed into law
10	section 383.50, Florida Statutes, which allows a parent to leave
11	a newborn baby at a hospital, emergency medical services
12	station, or fire station anonymously and without fear of
13	prosecution, it seemed apparent that few knew of its existence,
14	and
15	WHEREAS, sensing a need to make the state's residents aware
16	of the provisions of the law, the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation
17	was established and "A Safe Haven for Newborns" was founded,
18	their purpose and continuing mission being to save the lives of
19	newborns in danger of abandonment and to help preserve the
20	health and future of their mothers, and
21	WHEREAS, an excellent example of private initiative and
22	"partnering" with the public sector, the Gloria M. Silverio
23	Foundation maintains a multilingual, 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week
24	help line; makes available materials in English, Spanish, and
25	Creole; sponsors public service media announcements; posts "A
26	Safe Haven for Newborns" signs at all staffed fire rescue
27	stations, emergency medical services stations, and hospitals in
28	the state; and works with hospitals and social services agencies
29	throughout the state, and
30	WHEREAS, to date, 124 young lives have been saved through
31	the efforts of this organization, and it is only fitting that
32	the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation's "A Safe Haven for Newborns"
33	be recognized for its dedication and commitment to the youngest,
34	most vulnerable of Florida's citizens, NOW, THEREFORE,
35
36	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
37	Florida:
38
39	That the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation is commended for its
40	excellent work in saving and preserving the lives of the state's
41	newborn babies and their mothers, and, in support of the worthy
42	efforts of this organization, May 2009 is designated "A Safe
43	Haven for Newborns Month" in Florida.
44	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
45	presented to Nick Silverio, founder of the Gloria M. Silverio
46	Foundation's "A Safe Haven for Newborns," as a tangible token of
47	the sentiments expressed herein.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.