Dear Mayor:

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. More than 450 coalitions in 16 countries reach out to local communities with injury prevention messages. Safe Kids New Jersey, led by the New Jersey State Safety Council, has a local coalition or chapter near you and is seeking your partnership

Each year, Johnson & Johnson, the Founding Sponsor of Safe Kids Worldwide draws attention to a particular childhood injury risk area by conducting National Safe Kids Week. During the week of May 6 - 13, 2006 Safe Kids coalitions across the country will be holding local community outreach events to spread awareness about water safety and the necessity of creating a safe pool environment for every child who swims in a residential or public pool. Drowning is the second leading cause of death to kids next to motor vehicle crashes.

As part of the nationwide effort to keep kids safe, Safe Kids holds safety events throughout the year. Safe Kids New Jersey would be honored if you could join their efforts and help promote water safety for children and encourage the importance of proper safety practices. I have attached a proclamation for your use.

Please join us. Through public awareness activities like National Safe Kids Week, together we can educate parents and caregivers about potential risks to children and adults' role in preventing childhood injuries. For more information on the Safe Kids programs, please go to their website at: http://www.safekids.org/. You can also e-mail Carol Ann Giardelli, Director of New Jersey Safe Kids at cgiardel@corus.jnj.com for a fact sheet and list of local chapters and coalitions.