21st Century Oncology Supports Drowning Prevention Efforts; Gift Will Assist Low-Income Children in Collier County

Fort Myers, FL, September 10, 2011 --(PR.com)-- While drowning is undeniably tragic, it is also preventable. That’s why 21st Century Oncology is diving into a water safety initiative in Collier County with a recent donation of $20,000 to drowning prevention programs through the Safe and Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County.

Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children under age four in Florida, and every year thousands of children are treated in emergency rooms for drowning-related incidents. In Collier County, the NCH Healthcare System Emergency Departments treated 70 water related incidents involving infants and children in 2010. There were 19 children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care or Pediatric Step Down Unit with six of the 19 requiring assistance with their breathing intubation and airway support. Additionally, Physicians Regional Healthcare System saw seven water-related incidents involving infants and children that required treatment at their emergency room between 2009-2010.

“21st Century Oncology’s contribution will help 500 disadvantaged children in Collier County learn water safety through our Swim Central program,” said Dr. Todd Vedder, Chair, Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County and Chairman of Pediatrics at NCH Healthcare System. “Water safety lessons have been proven to decrease the risk of a child being a victim of a non- fatal or fatal drowning. The more children who learn this lifesaving skill, the more likely we can reduce the number of drowning incidents in Collier County.”

“The physicians and staff of 21st Century Oncology are proud to be a part of this water safety initiative,” said Daniel Dosoretz, M.D., of 21st Century Oncology. “Surrounded as we are by water, it is critical that every child growing up in Southwest Florida has a basic understanding of water safety and what they can do to keep themselves safe.”

Through the SWIM Central Program, Certified Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards provide ten, 30-minute swim lessons over a two week time period. These curriculum-based lessons will focus on floating, calling for help and being able to jump, kick and return to the pool wall.

For more information about the Safe and Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County contact Paula DiGrigoli at: (239) 252-5361, or visit the Coalition on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-Healthy-Childrens-Coalition-of-Collier-County/166142276738548

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