Blue Cross-supported child abuse prevention event breaks fundraising record

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is dedicated to making a difference in preventing child abuse and neglect. As part of its commitment, President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp and his wife, Amy Tattrie Loepp, co-chaired the 20th annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event, held in May to benefit child abuse prevention.

It set a fundraising record, raising more than $1.1 million for programs around the state. The previous auction record, set in 2013, was $564,348.

The auction event capped off a multi-week campaign across the state to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect. Amy also serves as the chair of Children’s Trust Fund, which was rebranded at the event with a new name — Children Trust Michigan.

“The outpouring of support was inspiring,” Daniel J. Loepp said. “We are grateful to all of the donors, partners and volunteers who contributed to the success of this event. It was an important day that raised awareness of the urgent need of preventing child abuse and neglect as well as the work of Children Trust Michigan.”

Funds from the auction pay for such programs as parent support and education, fatherhood programs, family resource centers and adverse childhood experiences prevention. All private donations and state funding are eligible to be multiplied through federal funding.

“Blue Cross’s support this year has provided some additional exposure to this worthy cause, and as board chair for Children Trust Michigan, I must offer my sincere gratitude,” Amy Loepp said.

The event is named after the late Pam Posthumus, a long-time advocate for child safety and well-being. Her husband, former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus, a member of the Blue Care Network board of directors, was honored during the event for his family’s role in supporting child abuse prevention.

Signs of abuse

Dr. Kristyn Gregory, a medical director at Blue Cross, wrote a MI Blues Perspectives blog about child abuse recently. In the blog, she lists signs to watch for that may indicate a child is being maltreated:

• Fear of being at home
• Falling asleep in class or frequently fatigued
• Lack of emotional control
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Significant weight changes
• Frequent hunger, inappropriate clothes for the season and poor hygiene
• Swollen lips or chipped teeth
• Unexplained cuts, bruises, bite marks, burns or other physical injuries
• Withdrawing from others or uncomfortable with physical contact

To read more, click here.

Reporting child abuse and neglect

Health care providers, including physicians, licensed emergency medical care providers, audiologists, physicians assistant’s, psychologists, medical examiners and nurses, are considered mandated reporters and are required by Michigan law to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, including how to report suspected abuse and what information to include, go to the Mandated Reporters Are Required by Law to Report** page on the Health and Human Services website.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.