Human Trafficking…A Moral Imperative!

Written By Stephen M. George Jr. MPA

Overview

Human trafficking is modern day slavery that touches every corner of the globe. This multi-billion criminal enterprise is the fastest growing crime in the world. Human trafficking involves both commercial sexual exploitation and labor servitude. The average age of entry for victims is 12-14 years old.

Definition

The term “human trafficking” is used in common parlance to describe many forms of exploitation of human beings. Human trafficking crimes focus on the act of compelling or coercing a person’s labor, services, or commercial sex acts; or using children under the age of 18 for commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological, but it must be used to coerce a victim into performing labor, services, or commercial sex acts. The laws against trafficking are rooted in the prohibition against slavery and involuntary servitude guaranteed by the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The victims include some of the most vulnerable in society: abused children who’ve run away from home, women with few job skills, immigrants who fear deportation or retaliation against their families overseas if they speak up. For them, there is little hope of escape.

Sexual Servitude

Sex trafficking is the use of force, coercion or deception to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain, another person for the purpose of commercial sexual activities.

If the victim is a minor under age 18, force, coercion and deception not required in cases of sex trafficking. Human trafficking, in the case of a minor is recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, or maintaining, another person for the purpose of commercial sexual activities.

Labor Servitude

Labor trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport, obtain or employ a person for labor or services in involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or slavery. Force, fraud or coercion must be present in case of labor trafficking involving a minor.

Scope of the Problem

Statistics

International Human Trafficking Statistics:

10-30 million modern day slaves exist in the world today. The majority of the reports consulted for the purposes of this fact sheet estimate that the number is around 27 million people4 with several respected analysts estimating the number to be much higher.

After drug trafficking, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today – and is considered the fastest growing – generating $32 billion a year.
$15.5 billion is generated in industrialized countries alone.
The estimated financial cost of forced labor (compared to free employment) is $21 billion a year.
3 million adults and children are in forced labor world wide.
The International Labour Organization estimates that for every 1 victim of sex trafficking there are 9 victims of labor trafficking worldwide. However, sexual exploitation (79%) is by far the most commonly identified form of trafficking in persons, followed by forced labor (18%).
In 2011, 42,291 victims of human trafficking were identified worldwide. Of that number only 7,909 cases were prosecuted and resulted in only 3,969 convictions.
In 2011 there were 15,205 labor trafficking victims identified resulting in only 278 convictions.
In 2006 there were only 5,808 prosecutions and 3,160 convictions throughout the world, which means for every 800 people trafficked, only one person was convicted.
600,000 – 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year.
80% of transnational victims are women and girls.
50% of transnational victims are minors.An estimated 2 million children are exploited by the global commercial sex trade, with 100,000 minors in the commercial sex trade in the U.S. alone.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 20% of all trafficking victims are minors.
161 countries are affected by human trafficking.
The majority of suspects involved in human trafficking are nationals of the country where the trafficking process is occurring.
The majority (56%) of trafficking victims are subjected to forced labor in their place of origin or residence, with only 44% who are considered transnational trafficking victims. The International Labour Organization found that cross-border movement is closely linked to forced sexual exploitation.
Only 54% of the recruiters are strangers, 46% are known to the victims.

US-based Human Trafficking Statistics

According to the Trafficking in Persons Report by the US State Department between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the US annually (this is not the total number of trafficking victims in the US as it excludes US nationals who are victims of human trafficking within US borders).
A Department of Justice report extrapolating from a San Diego county survey estimated the potential • number of unauthorized immigrant labor trafficking victims in the U.S. at 2.47 million.
In 2010, 449 certifications were given to adult victims of human trafficking and 92 issued to child victims.
82% adult victims and 56% child victims of trafficking in the US were labor trafficking victims.25 • 53% of adult victims and 66% of child victims of trafficking were women.
Victims came from 47 different countries. The top 5 host countries include: Thailand, Mexico, Philippines, Haiti and India, in that order.
While the ILO estimates that the ratio between sex:labor trafficking is 1:9, In 2011, 83% of reported incidents in the US were sex trafficking and only 12% of reported incidents were labor trafficking, leaving 5% categorized as “other.”
Between FY 2000 and FY 2009 only 1,591 T visas were granted by the Department of Homeland Security. Approximately 1/5 of the annual cap for T-visas, which is 5,000.
Types of labor trafficking in the US include: domestic servitude (nannies, housekeepers), small businesses (landscaping, nail salons, restaurants, industrial cleaning, construction, hospitality), Sale Crews (magazine, flower and candy sale crews) and large scale labor cases (agricultural, factory settings).
Types of sex trafficking in the US include: Bar/Club operations (cantina bars, Stripping or exotic dancing clubs, salons, massage parlors, hostess clubs and karaoke clubs, domestic strip clubs and gentleman clubs); Residential brothel settings (homes, apartments, hotels, mobile trailers); Escort services (bar/hotel based, internet-based, private, boat cruises, chat lines); Pimp-controlled prostitution (hotel-based, internet-based, private parties, street-based, truck stops).

Human trafficking and minors statistics

There are an estimated 100,000 – 300,000 prostituted children in the U.S.
244,000 American children and youth are estimated to be at risk of child sexual exploitation, including commercial sexual exploitation. Runaways and unaccompanied minors make up the majority of at-risk youth for both sexual and labor exploitation.
4% of suspected or confirmed child victims of domestic sex trafficking were repeat runaways.
7% of suspected or confirmed child victims of domestic sex trafficking ran from a group home, foster care, DCFS care or a shelter.
40-70% of all street youth engage, at least occasionally, in prostitution to meet their basic needs.
The population of street youth engaging in prostitution is almost equally divided between boys and girls.

Georgia-based Human Trafficking Statistics

In 2012, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center received 446 calls from GA, 103 of which were classifiied as high-risk.
5,000 girls are at-risk of being sex trafficked in Georgia.
According to a former FBI agent Atlanta has an internal trafficking problem, where minors, many recruited from the city, are transferred to another county or state.
Approximately 374 girls are commercially sexually exploited monthly in Georgia. Average age of entry into the commercial sex market for girls is 12 and 14 years.
Each month, 12,400 men in Georgia pay for sex with a young woman and 7,200 of them end up exploiting an adolescent female.37 Georgia Human Trafficking Fact Sheet Compiled by the Center for Public Policy Studies For more information visit www.centerforpublicpolicy.org
Craigslist is the most efficient medium for the marketing of sex; ads on this site had 3 times as many hits as similar ads on other websites.
Around 65% of men who buy sex with young females do so in and around suburban and metro Atlanta with 9% near the airport.
Atlanta has the highest number of trafficked Hispanic females in the nation.
On average, 100 juvenile girls are exploited each night in Georgia.

Human Trafficking Red Flags

Youth has a runaway history or is homeless.
Youth is involved with juvenile court (criminal trespassing, shoplifting, false name, substance abuse, etc).
Youth has a substance abuse issues.
Youth has school problems (truancy, suspension).
Youth has unexplained money.
Youth has hair and nails done and cannot explain how he/she had the resources to get those things done.
Youth has an open DFCS case.
Youth is with a significantly older boyfriend/companion or other non-family member.
Unexplained physical trauma: bruises, black eye, cuts or other marks.
Unexplained emotional trauma: fear, anxiety, depression, tension, nervousness.
Youth is traveling with older person that is a non-family member and/or not a guardian.
Youth has special marked tattoos or branding on his/her body.
Youth has possession of prepaid credit cards, hotel keys/receipts.
Youth has no identification or is not in control of the identification documents.
Youth provides conflicting personal information to law enforcement.
Youth is dressed inappropriately, i.e., not weather appropriate, revealing, etc.
Youth avoids eye contact.

Tertiary Problems

Trafficking of the elderly (with assets)

The human trafficking of the elderly (with assets) has become a national epidemic and disgrace. Probate courts routinely work with predatory professional guardians, payrolling attorneys, owners of notoriously abusive care facilities and social agencies to target and then obtain guardianship/conservatorship of the elderly whose only crime was to age with assets. These predatory professional guardians, strangers to the victim and their families, make their living robbing the estates of their victims.

Again, once this “guardianship” has been sanctioned by the cooperating probate judge, the victim loses all rights of any kind whatsoever and is for all intents and purposes “dead in the law”. The guardian/conservator now legally owns the victim and can avail themselves of all of the victim’s assets of any kind. These predators can and do instruct doctors to begin the administering of psychotropic medications not approved for use on the elderly, and many of the doctors who are also tapping the estate for inflated billing charges, comply with these requests.

Once legally kidnapped with the help of the cooperating probate judge and the local police department who conduct the kidnapping as a swat team raid, the victim is quickly housed in a participating facility and started on a drug regime that is seldom called for.

The drugs are especially useful when administered just prior to what is laughingly called a “competency hearing”.

The profits from human trafficking of the aging (with assets) was documented in the 2007 GAO report with estimates well over a billion in stolen assets obtained by professional predatory guardians/conservators and some family members across 48 states, although the GAO focused on only 20 cases:

“The GAO focused on cases in which a family member, agency, or private business was appointed as a guardian. In 20 cases, guardians appointed and approved by courts stole $5.4 million in assets from 158 incapacitated adults. ”

The recent Committee on Aging hearing very carefully orchestrated and scripted the public hearing to make it appear that the abuse is almost always at the hands of family and friends. In truth, the largest percentage of cases of exploitation are committed by professional strangers who have a well-established system in place with the same predators routinely involved in these deadly guardianships as is exemplified when examining the cases in a specific geographical area. The same judges, the same predatory professional guardians, the same payrolling attorneys and the same doctors and participating facilities, all involved in one predatory case after another. The staged committee hearing barely touched on this aspect of exploitation of the elderly, if at all.

Guiding Principles for Technological Interventions in Human Trafficking

The ultimate beneficiaries of any technological intervention should be the victims and survivors of human trafficking. Throughout the technological design and implementation process, decisions should be guided by a single question: How will technology maximize the benefit and minimize the harm to victims and survivors of trafficking?

Developers and users of anti-trafficking tools should examine the inherent risks that arise when technology is applied to complex social problems. While benefits may appear clear at first, experts should be consulted to evaluate whether tools have the potential to cause inadvertent harm.

Successful implementation of anti-trafficking technologies requires cooperation among actors across government, nongovernmental, and private sectors, sharing information and communicating in a coordinated manner. Technological interventions in anti-trafficking efforts necessitate collaboration across sectors. Addressing trafficking online requires coordination of efforts to avoid inefficiencies, for example, when a proposed technology is already in use by parallel organizations or when existing technologies can readily be adapted to fit anti-trafficking needs. The private sector, academics, and the technology community can serve as valuable resources for creative innovations that can be tailored to anti-trafficking, including technologies to facilitate information sharing.

Private-sector technology firms should recognize that their services and networks are being exploited by traffickers and take steps to innovate and develop anti-trafficking initiatives through their technologies and policies. Social networking sites, online classified sites, and technology firms provide Internet services that criminals are using to facilitate domestic and international trafficking in persons. These companies should consider their social responsibility and assume an active role in combating trafficking on their sites. Whether through practices such as establishing industry-wide codes of conduct or innovating technological solutions, the private sector can exercise considerable influence in anti-trafficking efforts.

Continuous involvement is necessary to ensure that tools are user-centric and refined over time to most effectively respond to shifts in technology and trafficking. User-centered design principles should aim to improve functionality and usability by focusing on the particular needs of users of anti-trafficking technologies. Law enforcement, NGOs, service providers, and the public each have particular needs based on technological literacy, class, and language, among other factors.

Furthermore, technological interventions must be supported by individuals committed to sustaining the technology over time. Both governmental and nongovernmental actors can play a key role in providing expertise and support for anti-trafficking innovations.

Technological interventions should account for the range of human rights potentially impacted by the use of advanced technologies. Technologies used in anti-trafficking efforts should be carefully tailored to avoid recklessly encroaching upon fundamental rights such as privacy, security, and freedom of expression. Developers and users of the technology must reflect on the full range of rights implicated by any information-collecting activity, taking particular care to reduce the number of false positives associated with tracking and monitoring

Best Practices & Next Steps

Governmental Action

The Law in Georgia

In 2011, the Office of the Attorney General joined forces with Senator Renee Unterman and Representative Edward Lindsey to advocate for a stronger human trafficking law in Georgia. HB 200 went into effect on July 1, 2011. HB 200:

Substantially increases the punishment for human trafficking from a possible one year sentence to a minimum of ten years. If the trafficking causes a minor to commit sex acts by coercion or deception, human traffickers now face 25 years to life in prison, up from maximum sentence of 20 years. Offenders can also be fined up to $100,000.00.
Takes the important step of no longer allowing the age of consent (16) or the lack of knowledge of the age of the victim to be used as a defense.
Broadens the definition of coercion to recognize and encompass additional ways that victims are coerced into exploitation.
Authorizes asset forfeiture for property derived from or used in trafficking
Provides training for law enforcement.
Increases punishments for pimping, pandering and keeping a house of prostitution, when the victim is under 16 years of age from five to twenty years to ten to thirty years.
Makes victims of human trafficking eligible for victim compensation for the serious mental and emotional trauma they experience.

New Legislation Protecting Older Georgians

The 2018 Georgia General Assembly passed three bills that will each have a significantly positive impact on older adults:

HB 803 prohibits trafficking a disabled adult, elder person, or resident for the purpose of appropriating the benefits (EBT, Social Security, pension, etc) of that person for use by the person committing the fraud.
HB 635provides for the creation of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) to coordinate the investigation of and responses to suspected instances of abut, neglect, or exploitation of disabled adults or elder persons.
SB 406“Georgia Long-term Care Background Check Program” promotes public safety and provide for comprehensive criminal background checks for owners, applicant for employment, and employees providing care or owning a personal care home, assisted living community, private home care provide, home health agency, hospice care, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or an adult day center.

The Emerging Role of Non-profits

Humans Care

On Friday, June 8^th, 2018, Safe America Foundation held an event at the Georgia State Capitol to announce a new collaborative venture with American Medical Response (AMR), youthSpark, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority and Georgia Global Health Initiative. The initiative will seek to help victims of human trafficking along with those dealing with opioid addiction and veterans suffering from PTSD. AMR announced the donation of an ambulance to Safe America Foundation (SAF), which will be used to support these efforts. During the event, the ambulance was parked outside on Washington Street for use in photos.

About Safe America Foundation

The Safe America Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit chartered in 1994, with headquarters in suburban Atlanta. The foundation partners with corporate, government, public and private sector organizations, and other nonprofits to save lives by emphasizing safety education and emergency preparedness. Our mission is to be the voice of safety, helping to keep people safe. Other key goals include helping returning veterans transition safely to civilian life, teaching safe driving techniques and hosting school assemblies on dangerous driving decisions, reducing cybercrimes, combating human trafficking, and championing programs to address safety needs such as Brain Camp, The WorldSafe Gala, BE Safe America and more. For more information, visit www.safeamerica.org.

Report an Incident

Human trafficking is a situation in which an individual is compelled to work or engage in commercial sex through the use of force, fraud or coercion. If the individual is under the age of 18 and engaging in commercial sex they are experiencing regardless if force, fraud, or coercion is also taking place.

If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation:

Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888: Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking.

Text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733.

Chat the National Human Trafficking Hotline via www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat

Submit a tip online through the anonymous online reporting form below.

The information you provide will be reviewed by the National Hotline. All reports are confidential and you may remain anonymous. Interpreters are available via phone call only.

Report missing children or child pornography to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) or through their Cybertipline by going to https://report.cybertip.org/index.htm;jsessionid=6C2033EE3967358D52C7660B0BD3AFBD.iwt1

Conclusion

The most common form of human trafficking (79%) is sexual exploitation. The victims of sexual exploitation are predominantly women and girls. Surprisingly, in 30% of the countries which provided information on the gender of traffickers, women make up the largest proportion of traffickers. In some parts of the world, women trafficking women is the norm.

The second most common form of human trafficking is forced labour (18%), although this may be a misrepresentation because forced labour is less frequently detected and reported than trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Worldwide, almost 20% of all trafficking victims are children. However, in some parts of Africa and the Mekong region, children are the majority (up to 100% in parts of West Africa).

Although trafficking seems to imply people moving across continents, most exploitation takes place close to home. Data show intra-regional and domestic trafficking are the major forms of trafficking in persons.

The United Nations Protocol against Trafficking in Persons – the foremost international agreement in this area – entered into force in 2003. The Report shows that in the past few years the number of Member States seriously implementing the Protocol has more than doubled (from 54 to 125 out of the 155 States covered). However, there are still many countries that lack the necessary legal instruments or political will.

If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.

For more information on human trafficking, contact Katie McCreary at kmccreary@law.ga.gov.

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WSB Spot for the Chalk 1 Up for Safety Art Contest

5 May 2017

Events Information News Safe America Foundation

WSB created a short segment about our ‘Chalk 1 Up For Safety‘ event that was held April 26 at the Georgia State Capitol – Liberty Plaza. Students from Harper Archer Middle School, Kennesaw Mountain, Dutchtown, and Langston Hughes High Schools competed in the fifth annual ‘Chalk 1 Up for Safety’ art contest on Wednesday, April 26 at Liberty Plaza near the Georgia State Capitol. The day was beautiful and warm, a picture-perfect Atlanta day. Representatives from each of the high schools, as well as leaders from the Clayton County Fire Department, Allstate Insurance, and Disabled American Veterans were there to support the students and their safety messages. In one drawing by Christian Alexander of Langston Hughes High School, a bully is shown as a horned blue monster inside a person’s room reflecting the problem of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying occurs at home, online, all hours of the day, and young people need to stand up to it and be more than a bystander. In another drawing, the students of Harper Archer Middle School created a scene of a car crash with the message, ‘It Can Wait’ regarding the dangers of texting while driving. Kennesaw Mountain High School created […]

Training for Global Safety Registration Open

5 May 2017

Events Information Safe America Foundation

Registration Now Open for WorldSafe Summit: Conference Website, Twitter Page Launched WINONA, MN & Atlanta, GA – Registration is now available online for the First Annual WorldSafe Summit to be held at the Omni Hotel @ CNN Center in Atlanta. Themed ‘Training for Global Safety,’ the conference sponsored by Minnesota-based Miller Ingenuity and being developed by The SafeAmerica Foundation. A Twitter account – with the handle @TFGS_Conference – has also been started. ‘Tweets’ will regularly update information on the conference including confirmed speakers, new sponsors and other advancing ‘news reports’ related to the event. Miller Ingenuity CEO Steve Blue, the catalyst for launching this inaugural conference – notes that between 300 – 500 corporate, governmental agency and non-profit executives are expected to attend. Early registrants will get ‘discounted prices’ as well as an opportunity to hold prime exhibit space for the three-day event to be held October 26-28 adjacent to the headquarters of CNN. The conference will be focused on 5 areas that impact safety in everyday life including: transportation (rail, air, auto/trucking and emerging ‘autonomous’ vehicles) community safety (including community policing, protecting female athletes and aiding veterans) disaster resiliency (including mitigating the effects of weather- and man-made events such […]

25 Facts About Human Trafficking

21 June 2017

Human Trafficking Information

In our efforts to help educate the public on human trafficking, we would like to share this video on the topic. Please share this video, and if you ever witness suspicious activity, please call 911. Human trafficking will be one of the topics we will address at our WorldSafe Summit this October. For information on the conference, visit https://trainingforglobalsafety.org. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqCSgCDGNT8

Safe America Joins Hands To Protect Schools

21 June 2017

News Safe America Foundation

The Safe America Foundation recently endorsed the work of the Secure Schools Alliance, seeking the White House to support its efforts to provide funding to public schools to protect students from possible active shooter intrusions. Safe America CEO Len Pagano visited recently in Washington, D.C. with Safe Schools Alliance Chair Maria Pia Tamburri and the organization’s Executive Director, Robert Boyd, offering Safe America’s support for its efforts to bring greater measures to ensure no more incidents might occur like Sandy Hook Elementary. “The safety of our school children needs to be insured; and, keeping entranceways into elementary schools cannot be left to chance,” Pagano noted. “Thanks to the Secure Schools Alliance, the government is looking seriously at providing more physical barriers to entrances so youth and teachers cannot be accessed easily.” Pagano said that West Virginia Education and the Arts Secretary Gayle Manchin, a leader in Safe America’s ‘Capitol Leadership Network,’ will be visited with this summer to mobilize others on Capitol Hill and in state legislators to back the Secure Schools Alliance. “With 35 million students in K-8 grade and 15 million in high school, this issue is a top priority,” Pagano observed. “Together with attendees of our ‘WorldSafe […]

OPERATION HOPE, Safe America, Plan Joint Effort to Help America ‘BE Ready’ to Handle Emergencies Bett

2 August 2017

Events Information News Safe America Foundation Safety Technology

Safe America President & CEO Len Pagano met recently with Operation Hope CEO Dr. Anita Ward, extending the two non-profits collaboration to help America be ‘prepared, not scared’ with dealing with future disasters or emergencies. The initiative will begin with meetings in New York on August 24 at the World Trade Center, where Operation Hope and Safe America will outline increased training this fall for dealing with active shooters as well as cyber security risks. Dr. Ward noted that all of America is impacted by growing threats and that any disruption has an effect on all populations, not just those at the top tier. Pagano added that with Operation Hope’s network of over 96 grassroots locations, Safe America can get its information – and assistance – distributed more broadly. “We’re honored to be partnering with Operation Hope,” Pagano noted. “And, when you look at the impressive reach they have – to millions of Americans from coast-to-coast – we sense we’ll be able to help each American anticipate what they can do in any emergency – weather-related or man-inspired. The goal is to protect lives and minimize the effects of emergencies – so that life can remain ‘as normal’ and unaffected […]

BE Safe America Meeting on August 24 To Host Manhattan Volunteers

2 August 2017

Events News Safe America Foundation

FEMA Views Safe America Meeting as First Step in Joint ‘Planning Process’ to Reduce Threats to New York, New Jersey Region Active shooters. Terrorists. Weather-related storms. Cyber attacks. All of these are worries – and are even tougher to deal with when you’re in a large, urban area like New York City. That’s why Safe America has held annual meetings in the New York area, to engage firms in preparedness activities such as disaster practice drills. This month, Safe America will host its sixth annual meeting – this time, focused on planning an evacuation drill in New York for a multi-story building. “We’re trying to raise-the-bar and join FEMA in getting New Yorkers to recognize that you can’t be ready to handle an emergency if you haven’t practiced how to handle an emergency,” said Safe America CEO Len Pagano. “We’re proud of the work firms like CNA and NBC have done – through our BE Safe America program – and want more firms to consider mass evacuation drills to see just how they would get hundreds of employees out safely from a high rise in under an hour.” Pagano noted that cyber risks are another growing issue that will be addressed, with new […]

Safe America Press Conference at Georgia State Capitol Sept 14

13 September 2017

Events News Safe America Foundation

Atlanta, GA – Safe America Foundation to Host Press Conference at Georgia State Capitol Honoring North Clayton High School Students; Announcing Upcoming Safety Conference with Special City Officials Invited The SafeAmerica Foundation will host a special press conference at the Georgia State Capitol grounds this Thursday, September 14 starting at 11 am. The event will host city officials, and announce plans for the upcoming WorldSafe Summit and Training for Global Safety Conference. In addition, the Foundation will give special recognition to students from North Clayton High who created the Augmented Reality School Bus Inspection App. Dr. Eboni Chillis from Clayton County Schools reports that “through an accelerated program, students created a virtual/augmented reality School Bus Inspection App in partnership with The Flying Classroom STEM+ and Spinteractive.” Students in grades 10 and 11 (sophomores and juniors) created the innovative safety app. The School Bus Inspection App will be used by the Clayton County Public Schools Transportation Department to streamline inspections and effectively train employees on the inspection process based on a 25-point system and seven focus areas. “It is exciting to see the creativity of these high school students,” says Len Pagano. CEO of the SafeAmerica Foundation. “They deserve recognition for […]

DAV 5K at Piedmont Park

29 September 2017

Events Information Veterans

Celebrate Veterans Day with DAV, the Disabled American Veterans organization. Run, Walk, Roll, Ride along a 5K route in midtown Atlanta to Honor Veterans on November 11 in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. For more information, visit www.dav5k.org.

Inaugural Safety Conference & WorldSafe Summit a Big Success!

27 October 2017

Events News Safe America Foundation

The speakers have been exceptional and the event has been well-received. The inaugural WorldSafe Summit & Training for Global Safety opened on Oct. 26 at WSB Studios and goes through Saturday, Oct. 28. The Training Day on Oct. 28 is now free to all those who would like to attend, thanks to our sponsors. Below are photos were taken at the event and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.

2017-18 WorldSafe Award Winners Announced

27 October 2017

Events News Safe America Foundation

The SafeAmerica Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2017-18 WorldSafe Award winners for their commitment to safety in the global world. Their efforts have had major impacts on safety in the community, nation and abroad. The awards and certificates of accomplishments were announced at the WorldSafe Awards gala held on October 26, 2017 at WSB-TV studios in midtown Atlanta. Grand Prize Award Lt. General Russel Honoré, Natalie Lacey, Cliff Oxford; For assisting Puerto Rican citizens’financial recovery after Hurricane Maria Public Health Award The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; For fighting the Opioid Epidemic Human CARE Award youthSpark; For reducing human trafficking demand Environmental Award Coca-Cola; For the bio-degradable Dasani PlantBottle Research Award National Center for Disaster Preparedness/Columbia University’s Earth Institute; For evaluating communities’ childcare capabilities during disasters Public Safety Award Atlanta Fire Rescue Department; For the heroic response to the I-85 bridge collapse Safety Education Award AT&T; For the ‘It Can Wait’ program to reduce distracted driving Innovation Award Thérèse Izzy Kirongozi; For creating a Traffic Robot to improve safety Civic Leadership Award Rotary Club of Buckhead, For fighting human trafficking Youth Safety Award N. Clayton High School, […]

Grand Prize WorldSafe Award Winners for 2017-18 Announced

27 October 2017

Events Information News Safe America Foundation

Dynamic ‘Trio’ Win WorldSafe Grand Prize for Collaborating to Aid Puerto Rico General Russel Honore’, Natalie Jones Lacey and Clifford Oxford Named for Their Efforts to Help Puerto Rican Citizens Access Funds after Hurricane Maria Atlanta, GA – The Safe America Foundation has chosen former Lt. General Russel Honore’, international consultant Natalie Jones Lacey and businessman Clifford Oxford for their collaboration to help Puerto Rican citizens access their financial accounts via wireless fund transactions via Twitter and the ‘Square’ online device. The three friends worked over the past month to engage AT&T, Verizon and other wireless carriers to help Puerto Ricans access their money. The idea – started by General Honore’ – came as they realized that many banks in Puerto Rico will continue to be limited in operating until electric service is restored on the island. “Bringing life back-to-normal requires cash flow – and with banks not able to function normally, thousands of Puerto Ricans are limited in being able to purchase basic life-sustaining commodities like food,” noted Safe America CEO Len Pagano. “When you think of honoring people for protecting life, you realize it’s great to be on top of an issue impacting millions of people. This trio […]

Summary of Successful WorldSafe Summit

2 November 2017

Events News Safe America Foundation

Over 200 people from across North America, Mexico and Australia attended this past week’s ‘WorldSafe Summit.’ Themed ‘Training for Global Safety,” the conference focused on 5 key areas: cyber security, transportation, community safety, human trafficking and opioid crisis. The following pages depict some of the significant addresses that were shared. Thanks to Miller Ingenuity, UPS, Crawford & Company and WellStar Atlanta Medical Center for their support, Safe America is already planning a follow-up meeting at the Federal Reserve Bank for April 26-27. Safe America Board Vice Chairman Jeff Turner and Clayton Fire Rescue Chief Landry Merkison spoke about the Southside’s human trafficking crisis and what they are doing to fight it. Mr. Turner, who serves as Chairman of the Clayton County Commission, also stressed privately with Len Pagano his interest in partnering with Safe America on a prototype trafficking ‘rescue unit’ and having donations be received by Safe America. Dr. Anita Ward, Chief Transformation Officer for Operation HOPE, shared her non-profit’s work on ‘disaster recovery score’ (DRS) with FEMA while Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, talked about the ‘unholy tour’ that he created to show leaders local human trafficking ‘up close.’ Mr. Echols was […]

Safe America, Crawford & Company Team Up to Help Puerto Ricans Have Warm Christmas Meals

15 December 2017

News Puerto Rico Safe America Foundation World News

Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot Assist in Bringing ‘Cooking Can’ Device to the Caribbean (December 14 / San Juan, Puerto Rico) – The Safe America Foundation is working to help Puerto Rican communities be able to cook meals without electricity while the island recovers from the recent Hurricane Maria, which has left over 90% of the island still without power. Safe America is distributing over the next week across Puerto Rico, 1,000 portable non-electric cooking devices – known as ‘Cooking Cans’ – to help communities, neighborhoods and families to return normal cooking habits while the utility industry restores power in Puerto Rico. Safe America CEO Len Pagano is in Puerto Rico working with the American Red Cross in distributing the cooking devices to help ongoing relief effort for those who continue without power 90 days after Hurricane Maria. Atlanta-based Crawford & Company responded to a request to support by providing funding for the devices. And Delta Air Lines helped ship the units and The Home Depot discounted denatured alcohol for use in cooking food via the Cooking Cans. Prior to Hurricane Maria, the Cooking Cans were showcased on Capitol Hill by Safe America as a new tool for helping […]

The Safe America Foundation to Receive Funding from The Allstate Foundation for Youth Programs

17 January 2018

Brain Camp Driving News Safe America Foundation Teen

Atlanta, GA – The Safe America Foundation has received funding from The Allstate Foundation to host the following programs for Atlanta area youth: The WorldSafe Summit, BrainCamp 2018, the ‘Chalk 1 Up 4 Safety’ Art Contest, and SAFE Tomorrows. The WorldSafe Summit, held in October 2017, introduced topics relevant to youth such as human trafficking, opioid addiction, and distracted driving. At the event, speakers educated conference attendees on the issues and discussed ways to mitigate the problems occurring in their communities, including forming task forces, supporting upcoming legislation, and networking with law enforcement, business and not for profit leaders. BrainCamp 2018 will be held March 3, 2018 at the Cobb County Safety Village. The half-day event is a hands-on interactive showcase teaching middle and high school students about the dangers of distracted driving. Also, speakers will address issues regarding cyber bullying, youth sports safety, opioid addiction, and human trafficking. “The ‘Chalk 1 Up 4 Safety’ art contest is always a great experience for the students as they create chalk art drawings (as a team) about relevant safety topics and win cash prizes for their school’s art departments,” says MaryLou Pagano, COO of the Safe America Foundation. “We appreciate The Allstate […]

Criminal Justice Response to Human Trafficking

25 January 2018

Human Trafficking Information Laws News

Developing an Effective Criminal Justice Response to Human Trafficking Lessons From the Front Line Trafficking in persons now affects all regions and most countries of the world. Over the past decade, there has been increasing acceptance of the need for an effective, internationally coordinated response. However, the practical difficulties in realizing this goal are considerable. No country can yet lay claim to genuine, extensive experience in dealing with trafficking as a criminal phenomenon. Most are developing and adapting their responses on the run, often under strong political pressure, and principally through trial and error. While communication between national agencies on this issue is improving, there is still very little cooperation or cross-fertilization of ideas across national borders. The authors draw on emerging international rules as well as their experience of working with States and intergovernmental organizations on this issue to propose eight elements of an effective national criminal justice response to human trafficking. Each is described in detail, justified with reference to relevant international standards, and illustrated with examples from current professional practice. For further review of this scholarly article go to http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1057567708320746

Expert to Speak on Active Shooters

20 February 2018

Information Safety

Alon Stivi, a nationally-regarded trainer who has dealt with active shooters, is now scheduled to speak at Safe America’s Spring Symposium on April 26-27 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. To RSVP, contact Stephen George at (470)-399-5092… Space is limited – so call soon! https://springtoaction.org.

MillerCoors Plans Expanded ‘Welcome Home Heroes’ event at SunTrust Park

12 March 2018

Events Information Veterans

These veterans enjoyed a Braves game last spring as part of Safe America’s “Welcome Home, Heroes!” program. This May 28, another group will enjoy the Braves-Mets mid-day game on May 28 thanks to MillerCoors, Nova Copy and United Distributors partnership with Safe America. Miller and Coors Beer has announced plans to partner with the Safe America Foundation gain this year, planning an event on Monday, May 28 at the Atlanta Braves – New York Mets’ Memorial Day game. The Monday ball game – which will kick off at 1:30 pm – will salute veterans for their commitment and showcase Safe America’s corporate and NGO partners who have committed to helping improve veterans’ futures here at home. Safe America leaders Len & Mary Lou Pagano shared thanks with Ted Kolwicz, who has supported the “Home Front” program for nearly 3 years, providing a percentage of his profits each month to help support the ongoing work for veterans. Among those already committed to participate are: United Distributors; Primerica Financial Services; WellStar and Atlanta Medical Center; Allstate; Nova Copy; Atlantic Capital Bank and the Disabled American Vets. Safe America is also extending invitations to: the Veterans Administration (VA), American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries […]

Hayden Collins: Showing ‘Heart’ for Homeless Vets

12 March 2018

Events Veterans

Former Desert Storm/Desert Shield Chemical Recon Leader, Hayden Collins, Chats with a Veteran Out ‘in-the-woods’ in Bartow County, Georgia Having a successful career; a wonderful family; and, doing significant role in protecting nuclear power facilities – both for the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense bases – is enough reason for someone to admire Hayden Collins. But when you learn how he’s quietly led Cartersville, Georgia to respond to the needs of homeless veterans – establishing a unique program with United Way – you’d have to say Hayden Collins is a ‘Patron Saint for Homeless Veterans.’ This winter, Safe America began to work with Hayden as he reached out and asked Safe America for assistance to house male and female veterans in temporary housing or shelters. During sub-freezing weather, Hayden took on – as a personal challenge – keeping several dozen veterans and other homeless Georgians alive, getting them insulated cold-weather clothing plus food – and where possible – interviews for jobs. “Hayden Collins is a true leader in Bartow County, who as a foster parent takes on a passionate role as coach and mentor,” noted Safe America CEO Len Pagano. “What touched me was to see how […]

Brain Camp 4 a ‘Huge Success!’

13 March 2018

Brain Camp

Brain Camp 4 a ‘Huge Success!’ LARGE METRO TURNOUT TOPPED EXPECTATIONS AT BRAIN CAMP 4 AT COBB SAFETY VILLAGE Nearly 400 parents and teens attended ‘BRAIN CAMP 4’ at Cobb Safety Village in Marietta, GA. Plans now underway for a second “Brain Camp” in September 29 at the Delta Flight Museum. Teaching safety is a key role for Safe America. And, how do we do it ‘best?’ Sometimes, having youth get involved in showing their art skills during the ‘Chalk One Up 4 Safety’ art contest. Kennesaw Mountain High School won $500 for their safety depiction of ‘look, listen live’ at a railroad crossing. The 10th annual event was a featured component of ‘Brain Camp 4,’ held at the Cobb County Safety Village on March 3, 2018. The photos tell the story that there were many hands-on ways to learn safety – from golf cart driving to exhibits by WellStar on life-long habits to a ‘mock trial’ and police pullover showing teen drivers how to behave in tough situations. WSB-TV’s Mark Winne described a fake car crash that kept everyone’s eyes glued to the ‘jaws of life’ device that was used to rip off car doors from two wrecked vehicles […]

WellStar AMC, SAFE AMERICA Plot Out Collaboration on Key Issues

15 March 2018

Events Information News Safe America Foundation

WellStar AMC, SAFE AMERICA Plot Out Collaboration on Key Issues Human Trafficking, Opioid Crisis, PTSD and Active Shooters in ‘Top 5’ Concerns WellStar AMC senior staff including President Kim Ryan invited Safe America CEO Len Pagano and COO Mary Lou Pagano to join in a discussion today to evaluate ways to deepen its collaboration in addressing key health and safety concerns impacting Georgia. The dialogue – led by Vice President Jamey Moore – considered using the upcoming April Symposium at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta to help share what is being done to counter these issues while engaging other organizations – both Fortune 500 firms in Metro Atlanta and civic and community organizations. “We salute WellStar for its leadership and are ready to showcase its stellar effort to address these issues,” Pagano noted. “Together, we will work to raise the critical information that can impact these growing concerns.” Pagano also applauded Youth Spark and its Executive Director, Jennifer Swain, for her desire to collaborate. He noted that the two non-profits will be developing a strategic plan to help provide grassroots education and assistance in suburban Atlanta counties such as COBB, Clayton, DeKalb and Gwinnett. The Georgia Hospital Association – […]

About our Home Front Veterans Center

22 March 2018

Information Veterans

The Home Front Veterans Assistance Center’s main purpose is to help veterans transition back into their civilian life by providing guidance and information on housing, education, employment and accessing VA benefits. It is located within Atlanta Medical Center, 340 Boulevard, Suite 523, in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia and is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The Center provides health and welfare resources to veterans and their families in the 21-county metropolitan Atlanta region.

Run To Honor Vets

3 May 2018

Events Information Veterans

Come out and run to honor our veterans! The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) organization is once again hosting this annual event in Atlanta, Georgia. You can roll, walk, run or ride to the event, just come for a great cause. This November, honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much. Save the date: Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Piedmont Park – Atlanta, Georgia For more information, visit DAV5K.ORG 2018 save the date full pg

AMR Donates Ambulance to Aid with Human Trafficking Rescues

22 May 2018

Events Information Information News Opioid Epidemic Safe America Foundation Safety Veterans

American Medical Response will hold an event to commemorate the donation of an ambulance to the Safe America Foundation. The ambulance will support Safe America’s efforts to help rescue victims of #humantrafficking. It will also be utilized to support the organization’s work with #opioid addicts and #PTSD-suffering #veterans. The donation is part of AMR’s observance of “National Emergency Medical Services Week” with events being held nationwide. WHEN: Thursday, May 24th at 2:00pm To accept the donation, executives from AMR’s regional team and Safe America will be on hand including the following: Len Pagano, Founder & CEO of Safe America Foundation Rick Ornelas, Director of Operations for East Region-Georgia, AMRContact: Maija McManus; Mmcmanus@sloweymcmanus.com; 617-413-7841 About American Medical Response (AMR) American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR also provides fire services through Rural Metro Fire Department, www.ruralmetrofire.com, and managed transportation services through Access2Care, www.access2care.net. AMR is a subsidiary of Global Medical Response, www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and […]

Braves-Mets Game on Memorial Day!

29 May 2018

Events Veterans

THANKS, COORS LIGHT, FOR SALUTING OUR ‘WELCOME HOME, HEROES!’ PROGRAM and hosting Safe America at SunTrust Park!! What a great event for Safe America… and what a great ending to the Braves-Mets game on Memorial Day! We’re proud to be partners with Coors, Miller and all of their brands. And, thank them for helping support our veterans program. … and thanks to our partners of the ‘Home Front’ Center as well as our Safe America staff! for joining us!

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE INITIATIVE

18 June 2018

Human Trafficking Information Laws News Uncategorized

Human trafficking is reputed to be one of the most profitable endeavors of organized crime and the fastest growing; an endeavor which enslaves thousands of people within our borders each year and perhaps millions outside those borders. It is a crime of increasing proportions, fully repugnant to American beliefs; a crime that preys on the world’s most vulnerable people. The crime of human trafficking is slavery. It is the sexual exploitation of children for commercial purposes; it is compelling people to labor or provide services through force, fraud, or coercion, whether citizens, legal residents, or persons having entered the country illegally. It is also taking from a person his or her travel documents (passports and or visas, whether authentic or forged) to compel that person’s labor or services. The United States is generally a destination for trafficking victims who are recruited in their home countries and transported through other countries. But movement is not required for human trafficking to occur. Many U.S. citizens are trafficked, usually run-away teenage girls, who are preyed upon by pimps and trafficked for prostitution. The Department of Justice has included investigating human trafficking among its top priorities. For more information go to https://www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=51

Atlanta Braves – hosted a ‘Welcome Home Heroes!’ event at SunTrust Park.

20 June 2018

Events News Safe America Foundation Veterans

MillerCoors Regional Manager Tony Bugher (second on far right) hosted a series of veterans during Memorial Day at SunTrust Park for our springtime ‘Welcome Home Heroes!’ event. Doing “Real Good’ While Having ‘Fun!‘ Safe America veterans’ program received ‘Brave Support’ recently thanks to Miller Lite & Coors Light beers. The two brands – official sponsors of the Atlanta Braves – hosted a ‘Welcome Home Heroes!’ event at SunTrust Park. Over 70 veterans and veterans-support partners joined Safe America staff for the Memorial Day game between the New York Mets and Braves. Hayden Collins, the Commander of the Georgia National Guard’s Ready Response program, joined former Brave’s star Alejandro Pena along with his wife for a photo (see below). Collins is strategizing how to help Safe America provide the VA with more direct support such as ‘WE Care’ hygiene kits. Allstate has announced plans to help provide several hundred kits… as has Primerica. Together with Lockheed Martin, KopierNet, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center and United Distributors, Safe America aided over 750 veterans last year. To contribute or learn more, contact Ted Waldbart at (770)-241-8806.

Thank’s SouthWest Airlines

21 June 2018

Human Trafficking News News Safe America Foundation

Human Trafficking Mobile Street Outreach & Rescue Mobile Unit Program! As I sat here this morning opening the mail, I came across your generous donation. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support for our lifesaving work with those most vulnerable to HUMAN TRAFFICKING …the children. Here at Safe America Foundation, one of our goals is to make sure that we do everything we can to ensure a sustainable effective Human Trafficking Mobile Street Outreach & Rescue Mobile Unit Program is established in every state of the union. Your generous in-kind donation of airline tickets have gone a long way in helping us end Human Trafficking in Atlanta and beyond. In fact, with your gift, we will be able to expand the scalability of this program in 2018. Thank you! You have made a real difference in the lives of those most vulnerable we serve. Thanks to you, women, young men, teens, and very young children will be rescued from their abusers. How neat is that! So, thank you once again for your donation. It means the world to! With gratitude, Safe America Foundation

DROP YOUR PHONE & LEARN WHAT YOU CAN’T DO NOW WHEN DRIVING!!

23 June 2018

Information Laws Safety Technology

House Bill 673 also known as the “Hands-Free Law” will require all drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel – without any cell phone in play. Here are the Top 10 points you need to follow: Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes A driver may not send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts the message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS Drivers may not write/send/read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content Drivers may not watch (or record) a video …unless it is for navigation Drivers cannot touch their phones to do anything to their music apps when driving EXCEPTIONS TO THE LAW: You can use your phone to report a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity or hazardous road conditions. 2. A utility company employee or contractor acting within the scope of their job and responding to a utility emergency. 3. A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during their performing their official duties. 4. When in a lawfully-parked vehicle. […]

Uncategorized

8 July 2018

House Bill 673 also known as the “Hands Free Law” will require all drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel – without any cell phone in play. Here are the Top 10 points you need to follow: Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes A driver may not send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS Drivers may not write/send/read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content Drivers may not watch (or record) a video …unless it is for navigation Drivers cannot touch their phones to do anything to their music apps when driving EXCEPTIONS TO THE LAW: You can use your phone to report a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity or hazardous road conditions. 2. An utility company employee or contractor acting within the scope of their job and responding to a utility emergency. 3. A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during their performing their official duties. 4. When in a […]

Human Trafficking Investigations

10 July 2018

Human Trafficking Information Laws News

FBI human trafficking investigations are conducted by agents within the human trafficking program and members of our federal human trafficking task forces, and every one of our 56 field offices has worked investigations pertaining to human trafficking. Often, investigations involving human trafficking come to the attention of field offices and task forces through: Citizen complaints; The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline; A referral from a law enforcement agency; A referral from non-government organizations (NGOs); Proactive victim recovery operations; and Outreach to state government and community entities. During the stages of a human trafficking investigation, the primary goal of investigators is the recovery of victims in order to remove them from an environment of violence and exploitation. Program representatives work in unison with victim advocates and NGOs, who are able to provide victims of human trafficking with the short-term resources (shelter, food, clothing) and long-term resources (counseling, education assistance, job training) they require during the road to recovery. After recovering a victim of human trafficking, field offices are then able to conduct logical, efficient, and effective investigations which lead to the eventual arrest and successful prosecution of their traffickers, as well as the potential recovery of additional victims and […]

Technology and How It Affects Disaster Relief Efforts

18 July 2018

Safety Technology

Technology disruption is a fear for many lines of work, however, we forget to acknowledge its ability to help people live a better life. Many companies, including UPS, ERUdyne, Field Innovation Team, and Lockheed Martin, have helped expand the horizon of what technology can do to save lives. Technology’s best disruption is how it affects our disaster relief efforts, with drones being capable of delivering needed supplies and medicine and being able to spot danger swiftly, allowing for easy evacuations. Being able to collect data on other catastrophes will allow for better planning and preparedness for future disasters. One concern is how will locals respond to these robotic machines, which can be solved by educating them about drones and other machines. With enough time and progress, technology will be able to help us detect signs of an incoming disaster and make us better prepared, a task which humans cannot do. To learn more about this issue go to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation website found here

The Atlanta Falcons Love the US Military

18 July 2018

Events Veterans

Come on, come all… Do you love the Atlanta Falcons? Do you want to support the military? Then we have an exciting event to share with you! Come to the Atlanta Falcons Military Day at Training Camp on Saturday, August 4, 2018. This is a special day to honor and show appreciation to our nation’s military. Admission is FREE for all general public and military.

Here’s a great opportunity to salute our Vietnam Veterans

19 July 2018

Information Veterans

Here’s a great opportunity to salute our Vietnam Veterans…please share the attached flyer with those who may be interested. If you have any questions, contact Ted Waldbart at ted.waldbart@safeamerica.org.

The Opioid Crisis: A Prescription to Addiction

26 July 2018

Information News Opioid Epidemic

The opioid crisis has been in the news a lot in recent years, but what is it really and why should we be concerned? These are not easy questions, but they still deserve answers. Opiates come in many varieties, including morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, which are all commonly prescribed to treat pain. However, despite the warnings of high-risk addiction, doctors still prescribe them to treat pain from surgery and other temporary situations. What is not considered is what happens when a patient recovers from the pain and is taken off of the medicine that they have become dependent on, and the “quick fixes” that these patients are willing to use to prevent withdrawal. By definition, opioids are any substance that gives a morphine-like effect, such as oxycodone and codeine. Doctors prescribe these medicines to provide quick pain relief to surgery patients, chronic pain, and any other physical ailments that warrant an opioid in the physician’s opinion. Let’s review the story of a young opioid patient, a 28-year-old who had been prescribed pain pills after a gallbladder surgery in 2014. After running out of pain pills, she […]

Human Trafficking…A Moral Imperative!

8 August 2018

Human Trafficking Information Laws News

Written By Stephen M. George Jr. MPA Overview Human trafficking is modern day slavery that touches every corner of the globe. This multi-billion criminal enterprise is the fastest growing crime in the world. Human trafficking involves both commercial sexual exploitation and labor servitude. The average age of entry for victims is 12-14 years old. Definition The term “human trafficking” is used in common parlance to describe many forms of exploitation of human beings. Human trafficking crimes focus on the act of compelling or coercing a person’s labor, services, or commercial sex acts; or using children under the age of 18 for commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological, but it must be used to coerce a victim into performing labor, services, or commercial sex acts. The laws against trafficking are rooted in the prohibition against slavery and involuntary servitude guaranteed by the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The victims include some of the most vulnerable in society: abused children who’ve run away from home, women with few job skills, immigrants who fear deportation or retaliation against their families overseas if they speak up. For them, there is little hope of escape. […]

March 3 Event – Free for Veterans

11 August 2018

Events Information Veterans

Veterans – if you are in the Atlanta area on March 3, you are invited to a very special concert event. The best part of all – it is completely free for all veterans. Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 3 from 3:30pm-5:30 pm to hear the beautiful sounds of the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus. The event will take place at the House of Hope Atlanta in Decatur, Georgia. Before the concert, a Veterans Information Fair will be held from 12noon to 2:45 pm. Tickets will be available starting Jan. 29. Visit https://armyfieldband.ticketleap.com/concert-band–soldiers-chorus—atlanta/

Telecommunications: SPOOFING, SWATTING, Active Shooters, & Public Safety

15 August 2018

Information Safety Technology

Written By Stephen M. George Jr. MPA Overview What is spoofing and how does it work? “Spoofing” occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally. U.S. law and FCC rules prohibit most types of spoofing. Caller ID lets consumers avoid unwanted phone calls by displaying caller names and phone numbers, but the caller ID feature is sometimes manipulated by spoofers who masquerade as representatives of banks, creditors, insurance companies, or even the government. What you can do if you think you’re being spoofed You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be careful about responding to any request for personal identifying information. Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious. If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency seeking personal information, hang up and […]

Women and Suicide Rate: A Tragic and Alarming Trend

17 August 2018

Information Mental Health News Uncategorized

The AJC- “CDC: Women show biggest rise in suicide” Original Article published Thursday 6.14.2018 Blog written by Andrea K. Winters Date: 8.14.2018 Suicide rates are rising in the U.S., especially among women. Or so says the latest report from the CDC. Stunningly suicide rates have “increased in women in Georgia by 30% from 2000 to 2016”, denotes a recent release from the CDC, and “50% nationally”. Historically, women have died from suicide attempts at a much lower rate than men… what has changed? Scientists have theories but do not know exactly why this is happening. Some scientists theorize that societal pressures paired with mental health disorders are a very real catalyst for suicide, especially for women. According to national trends, women are increasingly bearing the financial burden of supporting a household, and usually need multiple jobs to do so – an increase in burden could be a major factor in this increase in suicide. The past two decades have seen the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. For both men and women, stagnant wages, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the opioid crisis, and troubles with access to public healthcare. All of these factors play a huge role in women’s […]

Are you Stigma free …take the NAMI #curestigma test now!

22 August 2018

Mental Health

By Stephen M. George Have you been infected by a contagion called …stigma? Take the National Association Mental Illness (NAMI) #curestigma test …DARE to be stigma-free! To take the test go to https://www.curestigma.org/

Can Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder Use Virtual Reality Driving Simulation Training to Evaluate and Improve Driving Performance? An Exploratory Study

Driving Driving Laws Safety Information Technology Teen

29 August 2018

Written By Stephen M. George, Jr. MPA Novice drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) differ from experienced drivers. The question of whether virtual reality driving simulation training (VRDST) improves ASD driving performance is a novel concept…. In a recent study published in the Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders, 51 novice ASD drivers (mean age 17.96 years, 78% male) were randomized to routine training (RT) or one of three types of VRDST (8–12 sessions). All participants followed DMV behind-the-wheel training guidelines for earning a driver’s license. Participants were assessed pre- and post-training for driving-specific executive function (EF) abilities and tactical driving skills. ASD drivers showed worse baseline EF and driving skills than experienced drivers. At postassessment, VRDST significantly improved driving and EF performance over RT. This study demonstrated the feasibility and potential efficacy of VRDST for novice ASD drivers. For more information on this subject go to https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3164-7

Driving Safe with Safe America

1 September 2018

Driving Laws Safety Information Uncategorized

Imagine walking a tightrope blindfolded. Now imagine walking that same tightrope with multiple people and everyone is blindfolded. Does not sound safe, does it? Well, every time you pick up your phone while driving, you put on a blindfold, even if it’s only for a few seconds. That is what the House Bill 673 also known as the “Hands-Free Law” is trying to prevent. In short, the law states that you may not support your phone with any part of your body. Period. If you have to ask whether something is allowed, think about if it’s an unsafe practice, and it’s probably not allowed. Here is a short list of do’s and don’ts; Do’s Use hands-free devices to facilitate phone calls Use in-car Bluetooth systems Control your phone’s music streaming through vehicle controls Don’ts DO NOT hold your device, whether it’s between your head and shoulder, in your hands, on your lap, etc. You CANNOT watch videos, have video calls, or anything that can take your attention off the road An exception is when it is used for navigation The Safe America Foundation is working with many organizations to help people understand the law, and be safer drivers. This includes […]

Synopsis of: ‘Mysterious void’ sinkhole discovered next to train tracks after Storm Eleanor …Engineers say ground around opening appears to be ‘shifting’

5 September 2018

Information News Safety

Written by Stephen M George, Jr. There are many transportation safety issues which are worthy of discussion. This post will focus on train safety …in particular maintenance, weather, equipment, and infrastructure and how it all ties together with regard to train safety. In the United Kindom, a “4ft deep and 2ft wide” sinkhole has formed near the train tracks near Harrington. Even more alarming …there are reports the ground around the sinkhole is “shifting”. Network Rail manages the UK’s railway infrastructure. It says: “Engineers are working to repair and make safe the section of the line after the mysterious void appeared yesterday in the wake of Storm Eleanor.” “In theory running the railway is simple. But in practice, when you throw storms, wind, waves, and sinkholes into the mix, it gets more complicated.” The railroad’s spokesperson also states: “Sinkholes are very unusual on the railway.” Having said that, sea erosion is considered among possible causes. The railroad reports that there have been 50 sinkholes on the railway in the past 12 years. In conclusion, I ask the reader …what are some possible Next Steps and Best Practices which might be leveraged to help solve the apparent increase in sinkhole hazard […]

Phantom Traffic: Self-Driving Cars Versus The Nightmare Commute

8 September 2018

Driving Safety Information

Sometimes, traffic is a nightmare! And often we wonder what causes it and how to prevent it. Whether you are driving to work, school, vacation, or just about anywhere, you are bound to find congestion on the road. Now, what is the cause of this congestion? Other people in traffic aggressively adjusting their speed or even hitting the brakes too hard. However, self-driving cars and adaptive cruise control, along with other safe practices on the road, can help alleviate this congestion. With these new revelations from studies done by Ford, as well as a group of researchers funded by the National Science Foundation, we could see a potential reduction of traffic congestion and fuel consumption. The Article suggests that “phantom” congestion isn’t as mysterious as it seems. If a driver slows down or makes a sudden stop, a domino effect of drivers aggressively adjusting speed or even braking occurs. This domino effect can go as far as 20 miles or more in some cases. This is the true cause of the stop-and-go traffic you see on your commute to work. Please note, a study done by the National Science Foundation shows evidence that having a single self-driving car on the […]

Updated Press Release for Sept. 27, 2018

Safety Information Uncategorized

26 September 2018

SAFEAMERICA Leases ATL Kiosk to ‘Inform Travelers’ of Human Trafficking, Opioid and Other Safety Issues SafeAmerica’s #1 Goal: Save Lives, Advance National Agenda (Including End Daylight Savings by Labor Day; Keep Kids Off ‘Un-Air-Conditioned School Buses during August) Atlanta, GA – The Safe America Foundation will hold a news conference at the State Capitol on Thursday, September 27, at 11:00 am to announce plans to launch several initiatives this fall to rescue young women and men from human trafficking while helping veterans and opioid victims get to medical treatment centers. During its News Conference, Safe America will unveil its first ‘HUMANS Care’ transport vehicle donated by AMR (American Medical Response). The Foundation will also unveil plans to open an information kiosk at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (photo below) starting Nov. 1 that will inform travelers of signs of women and men being victimized for sex. Support for the programming has grown this summer, with attendees including State and Metro Leaders such as Georgia Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols, Clayton County Chairman Jeff Turner and State Representatives Paulette Rakestraw and Michael Smith. Also expected are: DeKalb County Commissioners Gregory Adams and Larry Johnson; State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and State Senator Ed Harbison […]

Safe America Foundation Leases Atlanta Airport Kiosk to Inform Travelers of Human Trafficking, Opioid and Other Safety Issues

Uncategorized

27 September 2018

Safe America’s #1 Goal: Save Lives, Advance National Agenda (Including End Daylight Savings by Labor Day; Keep Kids Off ‘Un-Air-Conditioned School Buses during August) Atlanta, GA – The Safe America Foundation will hold a news conference at the State Capitol on Thursday, September 27, at 11:00 am to announce plans to launch several initiatives this fall to rescue young women and men from human trafficking, while helping veterans and opioid victims get to medical treatment centers. During their news conference, Safe America will unveil its first ‘HUMANS Care’ transport vehicle donated by AMR (American Medical Response). The Foundation will also unveil plans to open an information kiosk at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport starting Nov. 1 that will inform travelers of signs of women and men being victimized for sex. Support for the programming has grown this summer, with attendees including state and metro leaders such as Georgia Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols, Clayton County Chairman Jeff Turner and State Representatives Paulette Rakestraw and Michael Smith. Also expected are DeKalb County Commissioners Gregory Adams and Larry Johnson; State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and State Senator Ed Harrison, plus Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom’s Senior Fellow, Ouleye […]

Successful Press Conference on Sept. 27, 2018

Uncategorized

27 September 2018

Atlanta, GA – over 65 people attended the Safe America Foundation’s news conference at the Georgia State Capitol today… in which the Foundation detailed its plan to roll out the ‘HUMANS Care’ / anti-trafficking rescue program this fall. The following photos depict Safe America rolling out its pilot transportation program with support from Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton and City of Atlanta leaders. A group of State Leaders – including Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols, Senator Ed Harbison, Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and Representatives Billy Mitchell and Paulette Rakestraw – joined in endorsing the ‘HUMANS Care’ program which will provide support veterans, human trafficking victims and opioid addicts. “We were pleased to see the broad support for our initiative,” noted Safe America President Len Pagano. “Working with a series of metro Atlanta communities, we will work to transport thousands of people who cannot get to doctors or hospitals and also expand community education to deaden crimes like human trafficking.” Pagano noted that Senator Isakson had his Field Representative join the Capitol news conference, sharing the Senator’s support. And, Safe America Vice Chairman Jeff Turner also announced that the Foundation will be opening a kiosk at ATL Airport in November […]

Fall Forum Happens Nov. 2, 2018

Uncategorized

4 October 2018

Plan to attend our Fall Forum on Nov. 2 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. We’re finalizing a location for a Training Camp event on Thursday, Nov. 1. A cyber (disaster) exercise is planned, along with more information and opportunities to help with our kiosk at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to educate travelers on #humantrafficking. REGISTER ONLINE for the Safe America Foundation’s Fall Forum! www.safeamerica.org

NYC Safety Briefing Happening Oct. 11, 2018

World News

4 October 2018

After September 11, Safe America began a national program to help citizens handle emergencies and survive them. We’ve partnered with major Fortune 500 firms such as UPS and involved ourselves with FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Department of Homeland Security, United Nations and other non-profits. We offer you a chance to be involved: Briefing City / Dates NewYork – October 11 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Freedom Tower NYC Atlanta – November 2 – Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Washington – DC – November 15 at Capitol Hill To RSVP – call Joe Caprara at (770)-384-7937. #BeSafeAmerica; #NeverForget; #PreparedNotScared

BrainCamp Happening in November 2018

Brain Camp Human Trafficking Information Information Mental Health Opioid Epidemic Safety Teen Teens

4 October 2018

You Are Invited To Join Us For The 2018 Brain Camp At The Delta Flight Museum November 17, 2018 – 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM Explore a hands-on way to learn about safety topics relevant to teenagers and middle school students. Topics covered include the dangers and consequences of distracted driving, making good life choices, cyberbullying, interacting with police and law enforcement, sports safety and more. Chalk 1 Up 4 Safety Art Contest The Chalk 1 Up 4 Safety Contest has Middle and High School Youth/Teens creating original Safety Designs and Messages based on one of the following safety themes: It Can Wait (Anti-Texting While Driving) #BE Cybersafe (Internet Safety) BE More than a Bystander (Anti-Bullying) Look, Listen, Live (Railroad Safety) The Chalk 1 Up 4 Safety Contest is open to all Georgia Middle and High Schools. Teams should consist of a Teacher or Parent Chaperone and group of students, not to exceed 10 students.

Georgia Senate Study Committee Considers School Year Start Post-Labor Day

Uncategorized

15 October 2018

Topic to Appear on Safe America’s Fall Forum Nov. 2 Written by Len Pagano, CEO of the Safe America Foundation Should Georgia schools open in July – or early September? That’s been a question for years. And, now, the Georgia State Senate is re-considering a later, more traditional school year start. Reasons for it include the impact on tourism (reducing summer vacation income for coastal hotels, etc.) and a difficulty for some parents in getting daycare during school year weeks when youth are ‘off’ from school (due to earlier school year start-up gives weeks’ off in September, November and other post-January months). In Cobb, the study committee has reignited a contentious years-long debate over the school calendar, with some advocating for longer summers and later start dates and others saying they’ve grown used to the shorter summers, earlier start dates and more frequent breaks adopted by Cobb and Marietta City schools in recent years. The study committee is made up of Senate Majority Whip Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, who chairs the committee; Sen. Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton, who chairs the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee; Sen. John Wilkinson, R-Toccoa, who serves as interim chair of the Senate Education Committee; and Sen. […]

We’ve Got a SUPER Idea for Protecting America!

Human Trafficking Information Information Information Mental Health Opioid Epidemic Safe America Foundation Safety Safety Information Veterans World News

16 October 2018

Written by Len Pagano, CEO of Safe America Foundation Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium will host the upcoming ‘SUPER BOWL’ in February 2019. Our goal: inform 2 million travelers coming to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport over the next 4 months how to end problems such as human trafficking. Millions of people travel to Atlanta every month. And with the Super Bowl coming, the Safe America Foundation is working to use its new ‘Safety Zone’ kiosk near the Delta baggage claim area to help travelers learn what to look for – and then what to do if they see something. We’ll also help travelers learn solutions for opioid addiction, cyber security and distracted driving. BE VISIBLE BEFORE 80,000 a DAY!! Starting this November, we’ll staff this booth and provide free advice on how to solve safety problems – and protect lives EVERYWHERE. Your firm or non-profit can help us do ‘serious good’ at ATL and: – Have your logo included on brochures – Be visible on our video screen! – Have content also seen nationally on our web site! ‘Safety Zone’ Opens November 1 Safe America: the Voice Redefining Safety – Invite friends & employees to donate funds at safeamerica.org & protect what’s priceless: […]

Help America Be PREPARED, NOT SCARED!

Uncategorized

16 October 2018

Let’s All Join Hands and Protect America! Written by Len Pagano, CEO of Safe America Foundation Safe America’s Engagement Committee Chairman Henry Edinger (left) and CEO Len Pagano (right) thank President Marty Shaub and Executive Director Beth Armstrong for their partnering on BE Safe America in New York recently. Since 2002, the Safe America Foundation – together with IAEM– has involved 4 million people in practicing how to survive disasters. YOUR ORGANIZATION can help lead in taking this to 5 million by: Hosting a community event or exercise Training leaders, elected officials online Participating in a Capitol Hill ‘Safety-thon’ Attending a ‘Fall Forum’ at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta Sponsoring our ‘Safety Zone’ at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Sign up by calling Stephen George at (678)-437-4116 and be a leader in protecting America.

A Visit with the First Lady of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico World News

19 October 2018

Len Pagano, CEO of the Safe America Foundation, visits the First Lady of Puerto Rico on Friday, October 19, 2018. The CEO makes a fun selfie video about some exciting announcements about The First Lady’s participation in our upcoming events this November. Beatriz Rosello will be in attendance at our Fall Forum on November 2 and will appear at our Capitol Hill briefing in Washington, DC in mid November. https://youtu.be/fShF_wkpv9c

Len Pagano Thanks Southwest Airlines

Human Trafficking

22 October 2018

CEO of the Safe America Foundation Len Pagano shares a video with us expressing his gratefulness to Southwest Airlines. Last year, the airline gave our Foundation eight round trip airlines to assist us with our efforts to combat human trafficking. Click on this YouTube link to view the video: https://youtu.be/Pavbi8T2Pz0

Blair Maus Joining our Board this Fall; Shows California Wildfire Damage in Video

World News

22 October 2018

Blair Maus, who is a vineyard owner, is joining our Board this fall, and describes how her 106 acre grape orchard was hit – and how over 8,000 buildings were destroyed… with the key issue being how long recovery will take in California. The stated estimate: 10 years to rebuild! ….” Video-1

IRT is a 2018-2019 WorldSafe Award Winner

Events Safe America Foundation Veterans

22 October 2018

IRT (Innovative Readiness Training) is a creative pairing between military members and the community. For their efforts, the organization is to receive a #WorldSafe award at our upcoming gala on November 2, 2018. To see more about what they do, visit their website at https://irt.defense.gov Watch this video to learn more and apply for a mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-Fo34ZWN0o&feature=youtu.be #IRT; Innovative Readiness Training

Travels with Len

Driving Human Trafficking Mental Health Opioid Epidemic Puerto Rico Safe America Foundation Safety Technology Veterans World News

23 October 2018

Traveling is a big part of Len Pagano’s job as the CEO of Safe America. Recently, he has visited #PuertoRico, #California and #NewYork, with plans to be in #WashingtonDC mid-November. He stays busy with conferences, meetings and initiatives in #Atlanta, where Safe America is headquartered. His goal is to connect with leaders from all of these areas in order to improve issues related to #disasters, the #opioid crisis, #veteransissues, #HumanTrafficking, #cybersecurity, and more. Here are some photos of his recent travels.

ProviDyn Company Leaders to Attend Fall Forum and Training Day

Events Safe America Foundation Technology

24 October 2018

Leaders from the company called ProviDyn, Inc. located in #SandySprings, Georgia will talk about the #DarkWeb both at the Training Camp on November 1 and then at Friday’s Fall Forum on November 2. ProviDyn’s mission is fixing performance and security problems for small and mid-sized organizations. In the spirit of IBM, HP and EDS who invented the category over 50 years ago for larger business IT systems, we empower our clients to improve performance, reduce risk and control operating expenses. ProviDyn’s offerings include managed IT services, cloud services, managed security services, back-up and disaster recovery services as well as professional services that encompass special projects, IT Advisory, M&A due diligence and regulatory compliance.

Media Advisory – Fall Forum – Nov. 2

Uncategorized

1 November 2018

SAFE AMERICA FOUNDATION TO HOST FALL FORUM WHAT: Safe America will hold a Fall Forum event at the Atlanta Federal Reserve bank. The forum will address pressing safety and humanitarian issues including human trafficking, opioid addiction, and veterans with PTSD. WHEN: Friday, November 2 from 8am-6pm WHERE: Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank – Downtown Atlanta WHO: State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, Clayton County Commissioner Jeff Turner, and Dekalb County Commissioner Greg Adams to address human trafficking initiatives. Officials and representatives from AT&T, Allstate, American Medical Response, youthSpark, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority will attend. About Safe AmericaFoundation The Safe America Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit chartered in 1994, with headquarters in suburban Atlanta. The foundation partners with corporate, government, public and private sector organizations, and other nonprofits to save lives by emphasizing safety education and emergency preparedness. Our mission is to be the voice of safety, helping to keep people safe. Media Contacts For Safe America: Angie A. Haddad 770-314-9272 angie.haddad@safeamerica.org

2019 WorldSafe Award Winners

Safety

1 November 2018

2019 WorldSafe Award Winners The following is a list of recipients who will receive WorldSafe Award for their work in making our world a safer, better place. The winners will be recognized with a plaque at our luncheon during our Fall Forum event on November 2. Congratulations to all and thank you for all that you do in our community and country. Mike Hubert, Principal, Loon Ventures LLC Representative John Carson, Georgia Legislature Harris Blackwood, Director, Georgia Office for Highway Safety Jim Graham, Founder, Ford Driving Skills for Life Scott Frank, CEO – Intellectual Properties, AT&T Colonel Jay Scott, U.S. Air Force / IRT – The Pentagon Terence Ramotar, Regional Director, American Medical Response Representative Paulette Rakestraw, Georgia Legislature Glen Wilkins, Walmart Dr. Kim Alexander, Clemson University

Dr. Kevin James, Interim CEO of 100 Black Men of America, Joins Board

Uncategorized

1 November 2018

Safe America CEO Len Pagano had lunch recently with Dr. Kevin James, Interim CEO of 100 Black Men of America. Dr. James – who will speak at the ‘Training Camp’ on November 1, 2018 – is looking forward to joining Safe America’s Board of Directors. He has been nominated to serve on the Executive Committee, considering ways to engage its 99-chapter organizations and 10,000 members nationwide. “I’m excited about what we will do together,” said Len Pagano. “100 Black Men is a superb organization – committed to mentoring youth and helping build leaders. Together, we can engage in protecting ALL Americans – and making our country safer.”

DC Briefing Happening November 15, 2018

Uncategorized

6 November 2018

Written by Len Pagano, CEO of Safe America Foundation After a successful ‘Fall Forum’ at Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank, Safe America is now planning a Capitol Hill briefing on Thursday, November 15 . We will address critical issues such as disaster response, cyber security, human trafficking and the opioid crisis. We’ll also discuss how Puerto Rico’s Governor, Ricardo Rosselló, and his wife, Beatriz, have confirmed heading the BE Safe America disaster preparedness program and also chairing the Foundation’s Board of Directors, supporting work to protect Americans from coast-to-coast. Recognizing the Value of Statehood… & helping thousands of youth have a Good Christmas At our November 15 briefing, we’ll also discuss how Safe America is looking to make Christmas special for thousands of Puerto Rican kids with the UPS Foundation and Good 360. We’ll recognize congressional leaders – including Representative Jenniffer González-Colón – for promoting statehood for Puerto Rico; and, in the process, improving disaster response and future incident recovery. Space is LIMITED; so reserve a seat NOW by emailing Joe.Caprara@safeamerica.org or call (770)-384-7937. The BE Safe America Briefing / Thursday, November 15 – Rayburn House Office Building / Room RHOB #2705 45 Independence Ave SW / Washington, DC 20515 […]

’51 For US’ – The Initiative for Puerto Rico to be the 51st State

Events Puerto Rico

7 November 2018

Written by Len Pagano Puerto Rico’s First Lady Beatriz Isabel Rossello joins Safe America’s CEO Len Pagano in DC on Nov. 15, to announce the ’51 for US’ program. It starts with an explanation of how naming #PuertoRico as our 51st State can save lives. Also to be explored: – Disaster recovery in #PuertoRico, #California, #Hawaii – #Opioid crisis solutions – Helping #veterans with PTSD get to hospitals via our HUMANS Care vehicles – plus legislation passed to help veterans avoid homelessness – featuring Hayden Collins – Fighting #humantrafficking with our work with American Medical Response – A growing coalition with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and 100 Black Men Of America, Inc. – Previewing plans to deliver thousands of toys for Puerto Rican children thanks to a ‘Christmas Delivery Partnership’ with the UPS Foundation and Good360 – Announcing plans to work with the Pentagon’s Innovative Readiness Training program and assist communities across the U. S. Space is limited. So, plan NOW to RSVP your attendance at the Rayburn Office Building by contacting Joe Caprara by email at Joe.Caprara@safeamerica.org or call Stephen George at (678)-437-4116.

Clayton County Commissioner Jeff Turner’s PSA on Brain Camp Nov. 17

Brain Camp

13 November 2018

Ever wonder what to do if your teen is pulled over for a traffic stop? Do you worry about how he or she will interact with law enforcement? Our Brain Camp half-day event on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Delta Flight museum will feature law enforcement officers and leaders to discuss with teens the best course of action for dealing with law enforcement. Take away the fear and engage with experts on how to make a situation bring about the best outcome, not the worst. Other topics that will be addressed include sports safety, distracted driving, cyberbullying, and opioid abuse; in addition, a chalk art contest will give middle and high school art teams a chance to win $500 for their school. Interactive and engaging demonstrations on distracted driving and car crash re-enactments are available for your teen and preteen to experience. For more information or to register for this free event, call 770-973-SAFE.

UPS, Safe America and Good360 Donate $400,000

20 December 2018

Puerto Rico Safe America Foundation

UPS, Safe America and Good360 Donate $400,000 in Toys to Puerto Rico Children! First Lady Beatriz Rosselló Gets Her Wish:to Help 15,000 Children Across Puerto Rico (Atlanta, GA) – The Safe America Foundation is partnering with The UPS Foundation and Good360 to provide 15,000 toys for children in Puerto Rico during the ‘3 Kings’ Sunday January 6. The project – part of the BE Safe America campaign – is in response to a request from Puerto Rico’s First Lady Beatriz Rosselló, who wants to give children dolls, board games and baseballs in areas still impacted by last fall’s Hurricane Maria. “While Puerto Rico is making a comeback, there’s still a lack of disposable income for buying children’s presents,” noted Safe America President & CEO Len Pagano. “Thanks to the non-profit Good360 and its partnership with Mattel and ASTRA, we’ll be making 15,000 kids happier on 3 Kings Sunday.” (also known as Epiphany) Safe America CEO Len Pagano met with First Lady Rosselló at La Fortaleza in San Juan to plan 3 Kings giving Sunday. In addition to thanking Good360, Safe America noted that the Mattel Company was a major factor in making this holiday campaign possible. Pagano noted that additional toys […]

What Worries Travelers The Most These Holidays?

Driving Human Trafficking Mental Health Opioid Epidemic Safety

21 December 2018

Safe America’s new Safety Zone kiosk at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport has been gathering growing attendees this month. Over the past two weeks, more than 100 travelers have stopped by and filled out a survey asking ‘what worries you the most: disasters, active shooters, distracted driving, the Opioid Crisis or human trafficking?’ This and a series of other questions will be tabulated in a year-end report shared with the City of Atlanta, the UPS Foundation and Columbia University. The report will be used in the 2019 ‘BE Safe America’ program. Ford, UPS, 100 Black Men, Clayton County plus Dixie Pre-Cast and Operation LifeSaver are among for-profits and non-profits supporting the ‘Safety Zone’ kiosk which will be staffed through the February 3 Super Bowl in Atlanta (being held at Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium). Written by Len Pagano, CEO of the Safe America Foundation

Harris Blackwood Named Executive VP for Transportation for Safe America

Brain Camp Driving Human Trafficking Mental Health Opioid Epidemic Safety Safety Information

31 January 2019

Will Launch New Programs Coast-to-Coast The appointment – made by Foundation President & CEO Len Pagano – is a strategic move to expand Safe America’s innovative work both regionally and nationally in transportation safety. Pagano noted that Mr. Blackwood will be working on new concepts to improve urban and rural safety while looking at innovative uses of drones for public response. He emphasizes a goal of improving transportation in urban areas while determining new ways to help those with no transportation, such as veterans, opioid addicts and human trafficking victims. “Making people safer while moving – and helping the next generation learn the habits they need to know – are primary objectives for Safe America,” Pagano observed. “We’re pleased to have one of the country’s most outstanding public leaders join us and look to engage others – from GHSA leaders to those in the automotive, airline and rail industries.” Blackwood noted that he is looking forward to training events such as Safe America’s spring ‘Brain Camp’ on March 23 at the Cobb Safety Village. He said he will be reaching out to public schools administrators inviting their students to the event and added that he will invite other leaders […]

Daylight Savings Time Has Brought March into Darkness…

13 March 2019

Driving Safety Information

(Is This Really SAFE for Kids Getting on School Buses in the Morning?) A bus collision in South Georgia killed a 5-year-old boy Here’s a question: why have Daylight Savings Time in March when you’re adding darkness for kids going to school? This is a reason the Safe America Foundation is inviting PTA leaders and other school administrators to the Federal Reserve Bank on April 16… for a Spring Symposium. We’ll be talking about other significant issues: active shooters, driving with cell phones and whether having scooters in Atlanta is wise. Join us if you want to protect lives and reduce the risks that cause serious injuries and death. Care to be part of this conversation? Then join us by registering at www.safeamerica.org or call (770)-973-SAFE.

Do You Think Scooters Are Safe Ways to Go a Block-or-Two Versus Walking?

13 March 2019

Driving Laws Safety Information Teens

Do You Think Scooters Are Safe Ways to Go a Block-or-Two Versus Walking? You May Need to Think Again! There are over 100 scooters being ‘left’ across Atlanta sidewalks every morning. And, while it seems to speed a person’s ability to get around downtown, it’s also brought a number of accidents. In fact, recent statistics show more than 80-100 people have been hit by cars – and some scooter riders have been responsible for causing crashes. What should we do – not just in Atlanta but across major cities – as this continues? Should we force scooter rental firms to include bike helmets to protect riders? Or, should we outlaw their use? These are questions that we’ll discuss at the Spring Symposium on April 16 at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta. If you’re a commuter, you may want to be part of the conversation. Other topics impacting transportation will also be discussed… with a basic goal of reducing risks and protecting lives (wherever you live… and however you ‘get to work’).

Boeing’s 737 MAX. It looked like a good plane

Uncategorized

13 March 2019

But After 2 Major Crashes that Killed 350 People, Should You Fly on It? That’s a good question. And, as Southwest and Delta are saying they’re confident this version of the 737 is safe, there are others who are worried. It’s an issue worth discussing… and that’s why we’re including it as a topic for the “Spring Symposium” at the Federal Reserve Bank. Safe America is inviting both aviators, pilots and Federal Aviation Administration officials to discuss what may have caused recent international crashes… and what can be done to protect all domestic passengers. Our goal is to host a series of conversations that leads to greater security. Safety’s an important job. Know that as a member of Safe America, you’ll get a first-hand look at topics that impact us like this. And, many others. To join us, register at www.safeamerica.org. Or call (770)-973-SAFE.

Safe America CEO Discusses How to Fight Human Trafficking with Atlanta Airport Executives

Human Trafficking Information News

14 March 2019

Atlanta’s hosting of this year’s ‘Super Bowl’ led to a growing community worry of human trafficking; after bringing awareness of human trafficking at the busiest airport in the world Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Safe America did a post-event evaluation of extending its ‘Safety Zone’ kiosk at ATL later this summer and fall to continue its work of educating travelers. Over 560,000 people per week saw Safe America’s ‘Safety Zone’ Kiosk at the airport. Safe America conducted a survey of hundreds of travelers and will be assessing how to deal with a series of national safety risks thanks to Delta Airline travelers and other kiosk visitors. Safe America Chairman-elect Jeff Turner and President & CEO Len Pagano visited with ATL Executive Director John Selden and his Assistant Director, Michael Smith, about continuing the Foundation’s work which was seen by over 2 million people per month during January and February. Safe America invited Mr. Selden to speak as well as be honored for the outstanding community work that ATL has done during our upcoming Spring Symposium on April 16 at the Federal Reserve Bank. Besides human trafficking, other Symposium topics will include: – Improving cyber security by […]

BRAIN CAMP ASSESSES NEW SAFETY ISSUES

20 March 2019

Brain Camp

Written by Len Pagano, CEO of Safe America Here’s a question: why have Daylight Savings Time in March when you’re adding darkness for kids going to school? This is a reason the Safe America Foundation is inviting PTA leaders and other school administrators to attend Brain Camp on Saturday, March 23 and sign a ‘turn the clock back’ petition sheet that we will share with Governor Brian Kemp. During Brain Camp, Safe America will also talk about other significant issues: what Cobb Schools are doing to protect students and teachers from active shooters. And, whether having scooters on Atlanta sidewalks and roads is wise. The event – to be held at the Cobb Safety Village – expects over 300 parents and youth from both middle and high schools Sponsors include the Allstate Foundation (addressing distracted driving WellStar (who will discuss health concerns such as human trafficking); the importance of having teens learn driver’s ed); and, the legal firm, Montlick & Associates (who will share how to deal with car crashes and legal concerns). A new sponsor – Chick-Fil-A – is offering students to compete to win a ‘free’ chicken meal EVERY WEEK for the rest of 2019 by showing their […]

2019 Spring Safety Symposium Huge Success!

Uncategorized

24 April 2019

2019 Spring Safety Symposium Held At the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Was A Huge Success! Spring Symposium Advances Top Safety and Health Issues! Speakers Address Opioid Crisis, Human Trafficking, Active Shooter Issues and Disaster Readiness and Recovery in Puerto Rico. Former Israeli Army Officer Alon Stivi previewed a new training program to help people survive active shooters. Cobb County School District Officers then extended the dialogue, by showing how schools are practicing with teens what to do if they face on-campus gun violence. Sergeant Phil Bradford noted that high school students are finding it meaningful and are not frightened by the training lessons – done extemporaneously through the school year. Alon Stivi Phil Bradford Delanea Davis Rita MacRae Georgia Public Service Commissioner Vice Chairman Tim Echols hosted a panel addressing solutions to human trafficking… while Safe America CEO Len Pagano introduced ‘Step 2’ of the HUMANS Care program… with ambulances now in the starting phase of traveling cross metro Atlanta. Safe America volunteer leader Donna Casey from San Francisco is being offered a role to help duplicate the program on the West Coast this fall. And, AMR – the national ambulance firm that’s donating 3 ambulances for ‘rescue attempts’ – will be training Safe America […]

Jim Ellis, Chick-Fil-A and Tires Plus Partner on Teen Driving Safety Contest

9 July 2019

Driving Teens Uncategorized

Thanks to Jim Ellis VW, Tires Plus and Chick-Fil-A, Safe America is launching a ‘Tireless for Safety’ contest… in which teens will learn how to change tires. The teen who is the ‘best’ will win $100 – and have a chance to be part of an online safety presentation. “Imagine having a chance to get a tire changed if you have a flat and not having to wait 1-2 hours for someone to come help you?’ noted Safe America Vice President Thomas McLaurin. “Through our ‘Tireless for Safety’ contest, we’ll give teens a chance to prove they can change a tire safely – and protect themselves and others they drive.” CEO Len Pagano added that helping learn how to change tires is part of the unique work Safe America does during its 30-hour class. “We’re proud to have taught teen drivers for YEARS learn how to change tires safely,” noted Safe America CEO Len Pagano. “And, we have stories of how Mothers have benefited – with a daughter or son helping change a tire on ‘their car’ when it went flat. That made parents very proud – and saved them time and money!” To take advantage of the ‘Tireless for […]

College Park, GA Seeks to Advance Community Safety

10 July 2019

Driving Safety Information

Police Chief Will Williford has advanced a plan to have the Safe America Foundation train 90 police officers to improve their driving skills. The plan: use computer simulators and test how to avoid car crashes in extremely fast situations. Safe America will meet next Monday (July 15) with College Park City Council – which is located near the Atlanta International Airport – to consider ways to work together. Under consideration: offer training to police officers and then teach them to be ‘teen instructors’ for students in the South Atlanta suburbs (College Park, East Point, Hapeville, South Fulton and neighboring areas). “We’re proud of Police Chief Williford for his dedication to improving safety,” noted Safe America President & CEO Len Pagano. “We look forward to developing this new initiative – making College Park a ‘model’ of safety for all Georgia communities as well as all cities and towns across the U.S. Safe America will also look to involve College Park in fall events such as the December 9 ‘Fall Forum’ at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta. The Foundation will also look to engage police and fire officers in the HUMANS Care ‘rescue’ program against human trafficking victims… and making College […]

Thanks to Scott Reed, Chick-Fil-A Supporting Drivers’ Ed for Cobb Teens

11 July 2019

Uncategorized

Ever swing by a East Cobb County, GA Chick-Fil-A? Well, if you haven’t, it’s only because you don’t live in this area… for THOUSANDS of people visit the Lassiter and Sprayberry locations. And, thanks to the two restaurants that are run by Scott Reed, more and more parents and teens are signing up for driver’s education this summer! “We’re proud to be in front of Chick-Fil-A customers, because so many of them are parents of teens,” noted Safe America President & CEO Len Pagano. “We’re seeing more and more people sign up for 30-hour driver’s ed training – and this is going to make ALL DRIVERS in Cobb County safer.” Mary Lou Pagano, who oversees the Safe America driving school, noted that thanks to Dawn Roach (who manages the two Chick-Fil-A community outreach programming), more students are learning they can win an incentive if they take Safe America’s course. “We’ll be holding a ‘Tireless for Safety’ driving contest in which teens who take our training will learn how to change a flat tire. And, the winner of this contest will get free Chick-Fil-A meals over the next 5 months,” noted Mrs. Pagano. “High school kids LOVE Chick-Fil-A meals… so this […]

Safe America’s New ‘Home’ Opening in Atlanta

19 July 2019

Human Trafficking Information Mental Health News News News Safe America Foundation Uncategorized Veterans

Thanks to the WellStar Health System, Safe America is opening its new national headquarters in Atlanta! The 3,200 square feet office space is now moved into, with staff adding some ‘finishing touches’ this weekend. “We really are ecstatic,” noted CEO Len Pagano. “We appreciate the work that Kim Ryan (our Chair) did to help get us more space that we’ll use for expanded programs to address medical issues such as sports and brain traumas, Opioid addiction, human trafficking and PTSD (of veterans).” As the new space is settled in, Pagano noted that an ‘open house’ will be held for Board of Directors and volunteers this fall. “We look forward to letting all supporters see our new space – as well as some new staff. Our goal of doing ‘serious good work’ is enhanced thanks to the new space we’ve been offered.” The new suite – on the 4th floor of Building 315 – is located on Boulevard Drive near the John Lewis/Freedom Parkway. Watch for more visuals as new graphic artist Leslie Morris makes the walls ‘visual stories’ of Safe America’s mission, history and achievements. Thanks to Good360 CEO Howard Sherman and furniture company, William-Sonoma, for their support. It included […]

Tragedies in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio Spark Plan to ‘Train More’ on Active Shooter Survival

5 August 2019

News News Uncategorized

Chairperson Kim Ryan (WellStar Health System) led a conversation with Chairman-elect Jeff Turner and Safe America CEO Len Pagano… considering how the Foundation might train more community leaders, business executives, church and synagogue leaders and school principals on how to ‘survive’ active shooters. The plan: work with Board member Alon Stivi, who has been training hundreds across the U.S. Mr. Stivi – who is expected to speak at the Fall Forum in Atlanta at the Federal Reserve Bank – expressed his sadness at this weekend’s tragedies.. and his interest in helping Safe America get more people ‘ready’ to survive mass shooters by learning how to escape and/or attack them. “We mourn those who died and were injuried; and are concerned that if people don’t understand how to quickly react, more people will be killed in the future,” noted Jeff Turner. “We look to be proactive and help people all over the country. It’s an important task – and we’re ready to start.” Mr. Turner also plans to announce a special role for Clayton County in assisting the training program… and launching it by September. Watch for more news to come in the coming weeks…

Salute to Walmart CEO Doug McMillon for Courageous Decision to Avoid Massive Shooter Incidents

3 September 2019

active shooter incidents News Uncategorized

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon announced today that Walmart will end sale of handgun ammunition… while also keeping customers from entering any of their 4,700 stores with guns. The decision – less than a month after the tragic mass gun attacked in El Paso, Texas – is a good call – and evidence that Walmart is addressing the issue wisely. Mr. McMillon – who years ago worked with Safe America as we created ‘Operation Baby Buckle’ to distribute over 150,000 car seats nationwide – is tackling the issue smartly… informing the White House and encouraging President Trump to consider what he can also do to end active shooting incidents. Safe America has continued to look at what we can do… meeting with Board member Alon Stivi last week in Los Angeles… and planning more training events this year (in Atlanta on Dec. 9 at the Federal Reserve Bank). We have also offered to help Walmart as it is America’s ‘retail home’ of millions of citizens. Watch for more discussions… and if interested, join us in New York City on Sept. 16 as we host a strategic planning discussion with KPMG. For details, contact Joe Caprara at (770)-384-7937.

California Emerging as ‘Top Area’ for New Safe America Initiatives

6 September 2019

Veterans

Safe America’s work on the West Coast – especially in San Francisco and Los Angeles – is pumping up. CEO Len Pagano shares an update from a recent trip to California… meeting with new volunteer leaders such as Donna Casey (in photo below) to help veterans and fight human trafficking and new Board member John Lazar and Yellow Cab CEO Chris Weiss, who are collaborating on starting Safe America’s ‘Vet Tran’ across California to support the VA Hospital. Also partnering is ambulance firm, AMR, which is donating vehicles for non-ambulatory veterans to be transported in.

Safe America Visits Congresswoman Jennifer Gonzalez Colon; Emphasizes Work to Teach Hurricane Resiliency

20 September 2019

active shooter incidents Human Trafficking Mental Health News Opioid Epidemic Puerto Rico Safety Technology Uncategorized

CEO Len Pagano visited on Capitol Hill with Congresswoman Jennifer Gonzalez Colon, sharing continued work to help Puerto Rico deal with future hurricane seasons. Pagano told Cong. Colon that Safe America is establishing a ‘drone program’ thanks to Target and will work with the Puerto Rico Education Foundation to teach students how to protect themselves and their families in future hurricane seasons. Pagano also noted Safe America’s partnership with the American Red Cross and will be offering more help to advance disaster readiness from coast-to-coast. He thanked Walmart for its long-time partnership, also, noting how ‘Safe America Month’ got safety information in front of 3 million customers for 3 years. “We are already focusing on 2020 – and National Preparedness Month – looking for ways to ‘popularize safety,” Pagano noted. “We all know ‘Smokey the Bear‘ and are looking at a new version – ‘Safe T Bear’ – who can help teach kids safety issues – even on a French Fry-like package that ‘our new icon’ can sit in.” Pagano showed at the Capitol Hill briefing a ‘Safe T Bear‘ that was developed with WellStar Health System. He noted he and Board Chairperson Kim Ryan (from WellStar) will be talking […]

NOYS Discusses with Safe America Potential Collaboration

20 September 2019

Brain Camp Driving Safe America Foundation Teen Teens The Alliance

The National Organization of Youth Safety (NOYS) visited with CEO Len Pagano in Washington, DC this week, exploring ideas to do joint work in year 2020. Staffers June Hughes and Tamika Brown (in photo l-r with Len Pagano) learned ways that Safe America is looking to expand teen driver education and consider more ‘Brain Camps’ around the country. Both projects fit within NOYS’ own agenda – which focuses on teaching teens how to be safe in driving as well as all other aspects of life. “I was delighted to meet NOYS staff and talk with their CEO, April Rai, about what we might do together,” Pagano observed. You know, we all have heard of ‘2+2 = 6. Well, our synergy seems to suggest that if NOYS and Safe America were to work together, 2+2 will equal 100% more good!” Pagano praised April Rai for her excellent leadership and thanked her for suggesting some collaboration. “We’ll evaluate next steps shortly… with our objective of doing more good to save and protect lives,” he noted. He added that with NOYS’ partners – General Motors and NHTSA – there could be much good. “And, there are over 100 youth organizations who are members […]

AMEX Former Chief Medical Officer Joins Safe America Board; To Head National Initiative

1 October 2019

active shooter incidents Events Human Trafficking Mental Health Opioid Epidemic Puerto Rico Safe America Foundation Technology World News

Dr. Joxel Garcia, former Assistant Secretary of Health in President George Bush’s Administration and recent CMO of AMEX, has re-joined the Safe America Board of Directors. Dr. Garcia, who was Chairman of Safe America’s national board in 2011-15, will be overseeing new health and disaster programs, including ongoing work in the Caribbean. “We’re honored to have Dr. Garcia rejoin our Board,” noted CEO Len Pagano. “We look forward to assessing what can be done – with other for-profits – to address human trafficking, survive active shooter situations and help veterans.” Dr. Garcia is expected to be a featured speaker at the Dec. 9 “Fall Forum” at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta. For tickets, contact Lynda Johnson at (770)-973-SAFE.

Coronavirus Impacting Safe America & Slowing Down Travel; Hope, However, Remains ‘Up’ to Protect America

20 March 2020

Covid-19 Uncategorized

Just like the rest of the country, the Safe America Foundation has been impacted by the recent Coronavirus. The Foundation’s driving school has interrupted its Driving School training for teens… to make sure they are ‘safe’ and healthy. At the same time, online content is being uploaded more frequently. “We’re working with Cloud 9 to unveil a new Safe America app – and help keep people up-to-date on safety and health issues,” noted Foundation CEO Len Pagano. “We’re also still ‘on go’ for our April 15 Spring Symposium and will keep everyone informed as things develop.” Safe America has also visited recently with COSEY Educational Center in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, to help students recover from the December 26 earthquake. “We’re seeing more firms and philanthropists wanting to help,” Pagano noted. “While travel is now being limited, we’ll continue our work – both online and on-the-phone – to do all we can to help thousands of young students.” Pagano saluted COSEY Founder Dr. Roque Diaz Tizol and INVEST Puerto Rico for its support. He added thanks to Luis Llompart from BDO Accounting Firm and noted his hope to grow collaboration and do more to help Puerto Rico this year.

New Safe America ‘App’ Under Final Development

20 March 2020

Technology Uncategorized

Thanks to a partnership with Cloud 9, Safe America is finalizing a smartphone app that can help people be aware of current health and safety issues while also relieving stress. Thanks to a series of meditative presentations, a person who fears the current Coronavirus crisis can ‘relax quicker,’ getting back to normal. Planned for release this spring, the Safe America app will also offer updates on Opioid solutions… and also tips on 5 topics of safety – from transportation to disasters; and from medical issues to public safety and community and online security. “We’re delighted to what Cloud 9 has done and are looking forward to offering this to both non-profit partners, corporations and individuals,” noted CEO Len Pagano. “With most people feeling stress right now, this app will offer comfort that you can carry with you wherever you are.” More discussion on this app will be posted in a future blog… with information available to Spring Symposium attendees. To register, contact Joe Caprara at (770)-384-7937.

Spring Symposium Delayed Due to Coronavirus

23 March 2020

Covid-19 Events Information News

Safe America’s planned ‘Spring Symposium’ has been delayed due to Coronavirus. The reason for the postponement was the Federal Reserve Bank’s decision to shut down its Conference Center for the entire month of April to help avoid further flu cases. Foundation President & CEO Len Pagano thanked the Federal Reserve Bank for its safety precaution and noted that re-scheduling the Symposium for mid-June is now under consideration. Watch for more details that will be shared in the coming month on our website. And, for speakers, you can gain more information by contacting Joe Caprara at (770)-384-7937.

Thought Horizon Partners with Safe America; Focuses on Growing Social Media Together

31 March 2020

Information News Safety Information Technology

With today’s Coronavirus crisis, many people stay online – or on TV – to learn what’s happening. Safe America has partnered with a new partner – Atlanta-based Company called Thought Horizon – to help get information on social media to save lives.Sander Biehn – the Founder and Inventor of its patented social media platform – has confirmed collaborating with Safe America to upload important content to Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn sites as well as sharing Safe America advice to families, parents and employers. “We’re honored to partner with Thought Horizon and to have Sander Biehn a new friend,” noted CEO Len Pagano. . “Social media is an important tool and using Thought Horizon will extend the speed and volume of content we share.” Pagano added that Safe America will offer non-profits a modest price to get more information ‘out there’ on their social media platforms, also (which can help in raising their donations). For details, contact Len Pagano at (770)-509-7958.

Daylight Savings Time: Should It Be Limited – or Extended?

Driving Laws News

3 April 2020

While students are now out-of-school, a question has emerged: should Daylight Savings Time re-launch as early as March, making morning skies dark til nearly 8 am? With school buses having to pick up students in the dark, the question Safe America has wondered is ‘is this safe?’ “Maybe it’s nice to have more light in the evening, but would children be at greater risk in the morning?” asked Safe America CEO Len Pagano. “We’re going to address this topic this November during our ‘Fall Forum’ – hoping that leaders can consider whether this is smart.” Pagano noted that there’s also an interest in making Daylights Savings Time ‘standard’ – meaning, it will remain intact during ALL Winter months (November – February). Political leaders are also debating whether states in New England may go on ‘Atlantic Time Zone’ with Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. More debates are anticipated over the coming months. For now, if you’re interested in sharing your thoughts, contact Safe America at (770)-973-SAFE.

USA Opening Again in June… Despite Ongoing Coronavirus

22 May 2020

Covid-19 Information Safety Uncategorized

While COVID-19 continues to be a tragic medical factor, the country is beginning to re-open its doors – with more people returning to work and restaurants re-opening. The question that many face is “how do we return to ‘normal’ but still stay safe – and is social distancing keeping us ‘away’ from shaking hands and hugging people?” The Safe America Foundation continues to observe what’s going on. And, is scheduling a meeting on Thursday, June 18, to evaluate how to ‘protect America.’ The conversation will include people in-person as well as others via ZOOM – so no one has to be risked. Among those being invited are Board members, sponsors and other non-profits like the Red Cross, Knights of Columbus, IAEM and youthSpark – that we have worked with. “Where do we go from here – and how do we keep safety a TOP ISSUE in America is a question we’ll be asking,” noted CEO Len Pagano. “For us, we’ll study getting more information out there – via our new Safe America app – and keep people informed on how they can be a “CEO” through our Community Enhancement Officers’ program coast-to-coast.” Pagano added thanks to #Cloud9Online and its owners […]

Shaking Hands: Is It Coming ‘Back’ Now?

Covid-19 Information Uncategorized

25 May 2020

According to the BBC, every person shakes 15,000 handshakes in their life – as a sign of ‘friendship.’ Now, the question is, ‘will we feel safe shaking hands this summer?’ Many experts note that our hands may carry and transfer germs. But it’s not the most severe element transferring COVID-19. So some people – in southern states like Georgia – are back to ‘shaking hands’ again. “We do need to keep social distancing intact,” said Safe America CEO Len Pagano. “And while many of us will be interacting more – in person – in June, we still need to keep ourselves reserved – even NOT shaking hands,” he added. Safe America also encourages families and businesspeople and families to: stay more ‘distant’ from people when you are out in a state park or beach (than you did last summer) keep masks on your faces EVERY DAY when you are out in retail stores and wash your hands 20 seconds long – and keep washing them before and after you’ve gone into a meeting or have touched some objects that are outside your home environment More information will be shared… with the goal of minimizing new Coronavirus cases. Note that Arkansas, […]

The ‘High Risks’ This Summer… Helping Spread COVID-19

Uncategorized

27 May 2020

Editor’s Note: Will you catch COVID-19 by getting your hair cut… going to a nightclub… or praying at church in a large audience? Maybe – according to NPR (Nat’l Public Radio). The following reviews what may be risky… and what may NOT BE! Meredith Miotke for NPR 1. A BYOB backyard gathering with one other household: low to medium risk Meeting in a spacious outdoor area with only a small group isn’t too risky. But our experts say that safety here depends on whom you invite and what their behaviors have been. “If you have a gathering with one other household that [has] followed social distancing, this would be a low-risk activity,” says Dr. Judith Guzman-Cottrill, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Oregon Health & Science University. What alters risk? To lower risk, avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils — make it a BYO-everything party. Dr. Andrew Janowski, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Washington University in St. Louis, notes that the food itself isn’t the risk but touching shared dishes or utensils could be. Watch out for drinking, says Dr. Abraar Karan, a physician and public health researcher at Harvard Medical School, as it can make people sloppy about […]

Virtual Training Offered This Summer for Teen Drivers

Covid-19 Driving Uncategorized

8 June 2020

Parents: Sign your teens up for virtual drivers ed training and you can save $75 if you sign up by June 15! Due to COVID-19, we’re offering two classes (the weeks of June 29-July 3 and July 13-17) which can allow your teen to stay-at-home to be trained. For more information, you can call Carol Pilgrim at (404)-502-8632 or Mary Lou Pagano at (404)-558-2212. These courses – which will be 6 hours-a-day for 5 days (Monday – Friday) – will help YOU also save money on the auto insurance you pay for your teens.

NEWSY Tells Story of How a Female Police Proves ‘Black Lives Matter’

15 June 2020

George Floyd – Black Lives Matter – Disbanding Police News Positive Media WorldSafe Awards

Thanks to a New York State Park Police Officer, a young 9-year-old African-American girl is now supporting police officers – and the story helped restore support of public safety across-the-country. The young girl – De’andra Brown – had been worried about police hurting blacks. But when she met a New York police officer in the past few days, she saw her so kind, it changed her point-of-view! “We see that people are recognizing that there are many good police officers – and that many show true affection and kindness to blacks,” observed Safe America CEO Len Pagano. “With the positive reports that Newsy and other media are now sharing, it’s reducing the stress – and can help get things back to normal.” Pagano noted that Newsy has been exemplary in telling objective news – not biased. Other media networks are also stressing their neutrality in reporting stories such as I-24 New. “It’s pleasing to see some networks are not trying to slant their stories either to the left – or to the right,” Pagano commented. “Training journalists to be objective and neutral is a critical issue that universities need to reinforce and stay committed to.” Pagano noted that because of […]

Report Says ‘Patriots’ Planning to Take Back Seattle’s ‘CHAZ’

Seattle CHAZ Controvery Uncategorized

15 June 2020

Protesters grab a street preacher in the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) in downtown Seattle recently. A collection of self-described “American Patriots,” made up of various militia and biker groups, is planning on retaking the zone from the leftists. According to an event posted on Facebook, more than 1,500 members of these “patriot groups” will descend on downtown Seattle on July 4 to “tear down the illegal barriers on public property, clean up the mess these communist kids made, and return the police station over to Seattle Police Department control.” A growing sense of concern is leading to anxiety for Seattle on whether the city will ‘return to normalcy’ and give the city’s six-block area ‘standard public safety.’ City authorities, meanwhile, seem content to let the ‘Lord of the Flies’ situation play out in the CHAZ. Rebuffing calls from President Donald Trump to stop the “ugly anarchists” “Immediately,” Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has called the occupation a “summer of love,” and scolded Trump, telling him “don’t be so afraid of democracy.” Some residents are unhappy with Durkan’s hands-off approach. “I’d like to see the police precinct restored. I’d like to see the city of Seattle step up and represent their […]

Improving Police ‘Standards’ on Trump’s Agenda

16 June 2020

Uncategorized

Trump Signs Executive Order Overhauling Police Reform, Training, Discipline (AP) – Following weeks of national protests since the death of George Floyd, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on policing Tuesday that would encourage better police practices and establish a database to keep track of officers with a history of excessive use-of-force complaints.In Rose Garden remarks, Trump stressed the need for higher standards and commiserated with mourning families, even as he hailed the vast majority of officers as selfless public servants and held his law-and-order line, while criticizing Democrats. “Reducing crime and raising standards are not opposite goals,” he said before signing the order flanked by police. Trump and the GOP have been rushing to respond to the mass demonstrations against police brutality and racial prejudice that have raged for weeks across the country in response to the deaths of Floyd and other black Americans. It’s a sudden shift for the Republican Party — and one Democrats are watching warily — that shows how quickly the protests have changed the political conversation and pressured Washington to act. But Trump, throughout the crisis, has continued to emphasize his support for law enforcement and even on Tuesday railed against those who […]

College Park Joins Safe America in Launching ‘HUMANS Care’ Program

18 June 2020

Human Trafficking public safety Safe America Foundation

The College Park Police Department has joined Safe America in helping fight human trafficking around the Atlanta International Airport. Under its ‘HUMANS Care project, Safe America and College Park police officers met today – analyzing how to monitor 5,000 hotel rooms around Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Chief Ferman Williford hosted a meeting with City Manager Terrence Moore and Safe America CEO Len Pagano, focusing on how to use Safe America’s newly-donated ambulances to monitor hotels. Pagano thanked AMR executive Antoine Meadows for his support, noting that ‘thanks to AMR, we’ll end young girls being sexually abused.” Clayton County Chairman Jeff Turner – who chairs Safe America – added his support, thanking College Park for its leadership. Mr. Turner has engaged other Metro Atlanta leaders – such as Cobb County Chairman Mike Boyce – in fighting human trafficking. Safe America is also working with non-profits such as youthSpark. And, has engaged the Atlanta Airport Chamber of Commerce plus business partners such as international firm, DNVGL, and its regional executive, Todd Begerow. “We’re thankful for all of those who are supporting Safe America’s ‘HUMANS Care’ program – especially our local police,” noted Pagano. “While some people nationally have been criticizing public safety, we […]

Pandemic NOT Over

28 June 2020

Covid-19 Uncategorized

The head of the CDC, Robert Redfield, told reports that the COVID-19pandemmic isn’t over. And, Redfield said that pregnant women are now more vunerable. He noted that the vast majority of Americans is still ‘susceptible’ to the virus. “We’re not talking about a second wave right now,” Redfield said. He noted that 5-8% of Americans are believed to have Coronavirus. But that the actual number of who has the virus is 10 times higher (for each person who has the virus, he predicted that 10 others also have it). What can YOU do to protect yourself? Continue to wear a mask, stay six feet away from others and continue to wash your hands thoroughly – and constantly. To learn more, go online to the CDC.Gov. Or call Safe America’s COO, Mary Lou Pagano, who is a registered nurse. You can reach her at (404)-558-2212.

Puerto Rico Ties with Safe America to Lead Safety

3 July 2020

Uncategorized

Safe America has signed an ‘Amigos Unidos’ agreement with the President of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, with the goal of having Caribbean executives be included in the WorldSafe alliance. The agreement – signed recently – will seek to involve Puerto Ricans in the ‘CEO Network’ that addresses solutions to COVID-19 and other health and safety risks. “We’re delighted to engage Puerto Rico businessmen and women since we all face the same risks,” noted Len Pagano. “Puerto Rico has been a delightful island – with leaders who can help address the risks we all face – whether it’s in North America or the Caribbean.” More details will evolve this fall as Puerto Ricans will be invited to attend the WorldSafe Fall Forum on Nov. 7 in Atlanta. For tickets, contact Joe Caprara at (770)-384-7937.

COVID-19 Hurt the Economy – And Is Continuing To

2 August 2020

Covid-19 News Safety Uncategorized

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported in July that the severe and unprecedented size of health, humans and economic crisis caused by COVID-19 put the economy in a deeper crash than the 2008-09 Great Recession. Currently, 49 million people have applied for unemployment claims compared to 8.3 million in the Great Recession in 2007-009. Current estimates forecast unemployment averaging 10.5% over 2020 and 7.65% in 2021. That will be the highest unemployment since the 1930s. So – with jobs ‘shut down’ to stay home and LIVE SAFELY – what can happen now if jobs are ‘shut down’ again to reduce COVID-19 exposure? Growing unemployment – again – and severe economic impact. ”Politically, there’s a lot going on, with the fall election is causing greater stress and accusations that reduce bi-lateral accomplishments,” noted Safe America CEO Len Pagano. Whomever is in office will face economic hardship by trying to put everyone into a ‘safe quarantine’ – and while keeping safety as our #1 priority, there’s no question that plummeting jobs is also hurting millions of people – who cannot find it easy to survive financially.” Pagano shared this insight, hoping that like World War II, both sides might seek […]

Human Trafficking…A Moral Imperative!

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