LA CROSSE, Wis., Dec. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gundersen Health System and the National Child Protection Training Center (NCPTC) announced today they are joining forces to help put an end to child abuse, neglect and other forms of child maltreatment. The two organizations have signed a letter of intent for the NCPTC to become part of Gundersen Health System. The affiliation is expected to be complete in 2013, and will create a first-of-its-kind program in the country.
Gundersen Health System is a physician-led, not-for-profit healthcare system with locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. The NCPTC is headquartered in Winona, Minn., with a Southern Region National Child Protection Training Center in Bentonville, Ark., and programs in Ohio and Minnesota.
The NCPTC has made a difference in the lives of children and families through education, training, awareness, prevention, advocacy and the pursuit of justice. Since its inception in 2003, NCPTC staff has trained more than 70,000 child protection professionals in all 50 states and 17 countries. The affiliation with Gundersen would allow the NCPTC to expand its scope to training not just professionals like teachers, law enforcement officers and childcare providers, but also healthcare professionals. Along with providing operational support for the current work of the NCPTC, Gundersen has committed to developing a clinical training component for healthcare professionals across the country.
"Research shows the effective prevention of child maltreatment involves education, support and guidance for those entrusted with caring for young children, such as healthcare professionals. By stopping child maltreatment, we can also prevent many of the physical, mental and social problems associated with it. We are pleased to be entering into this affiliation with another nationally recognized organization whose mission is to improve the lives of children and families across the country," says Jeff Thompson, MD, CEO, Gundersen Health System.
"Gundersen is an outstanding health system with a great tradition of serving children. When we approached Gundersen, we quickly realized our shared commitment to protecting children ran strong and we couldn't be happier to see this affiliation coming to reality. This is great news for the long-term sustainability of the NCPTC and our work to end child abuse," says Victor Vieth, Executive Director for NCPTC.
About the National Child Protection Training Center
The National Child Protection Training Center (NCPTC) works to end child abuse, neglect and other forms of child maltreatment in three generations through education, training, awareness, prevention, advocacy and the pursuit of justice. The Center promotes reformation of current training practices by providing an educational curriculum to current and future front-line child protection professionals around the nation so that they will be prepared to recognize and report the abuse of a child. To learn more, go to www.ncptc.org.
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About Gundersen Health System
Gundersen Health System is a comprehensive healthcare system that includes a multi-specialty group medical practice, regional community clinics, hospitals, behavioral health services, vision centers, pharmacies and air and ground ambulances. Their staff is made up of more than 700 medical, dental and associate staff and more than 5,500 support staff. Gundersen's flagship campus is located in La Crosse, Wis. Learn more at www.gundluth.org.
The Gundersen Health System logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=16117
