Commentary: Why the tough guys of the NFL help kids whose scars may

Every year child welfare agencies in the United States receive more than 3 million allegations of child abuse and neglect. Sufficient evidence is collected to substantiate more than 1 million cases annually.

Unfortunately, this amounts to approximately one child every 10 seconds being neglected, abused or abandoned in the United States. In addition, three children die every day as a result of neglect or abuse, according to the National Incident Based Recording System.

Medical research, with new brain-imaging surveys, has shown that child abuse occurring during the critical formative time when the brain is developing physically can leave a permanent imprint on the structure and function of the brain. The resultant damage may reveal itself in a variety of ways, including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress syndrome, aggression, impulsivity, delinquency, hyperactivity or substance abuse.

Perhaps this will help the public understand why no less than a maximum effort must be made to prevent childhood abuse and neglect before it does harm to millions more young children. At the same time, a continuous effort must be made to develop methods of therapy to help those already scarred.

Italian immigrant Sam Lamantia Jr., today a highly successful Baltimore hair stylist and owner of Gentlemen's Gentlemen, was early taken by the plight of these children. Over 20 years ago, determined to make a difference, he teamed up with Larry Harris, sports editor of The Evening Sun, and the Eastside Athletic Club. NFL executive Ernie Accorsi suggested an award presentation.

Their collaboration resulted in the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, named after a long-time trainer for the Baltimore Colts. Their first award, in 1978, was given to Joe Ehrmann, the Colts' defensive lineman. Funds raised from this event went to what became the Ed Block Courage House for abused children at the St. Vincent's Center.

When the Baltimore Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984, the Foundation found itself with a serious problem. With no football team around which to rally, the Foundation turned to the NFL. With the help of John Lopez, head trainer of the Colts, who decided not to follow his team to Indianapolis, they approached the NFL with the idea of making the charity function a national one.

Today the awards are presented to a recipient from each of the 32 teams in the NFL, and the proceeds go toward the support of Ed Block Courage Houses in 16 NFL cities. Their ultimate mission is to support a Courage House for each of the 32 teams.

The Baltimore Ravens now sponsor an annual rally in support of the Courage House at St. Vincent's. The fifth Annual Ravens Rally will take place this year at McDaniel College in Westminster on Tuesday, Aug. 17.

Ticket holders will watch the Ravens practice in the afternoon and will then mingle with team members, who will be signing autographs. This will be followed by a dinner and pep talk by Coach Brian Billick.

Marques Douglas, recipient of the 2003 Ed Block Courage Award, will be honored along with a number of other selected players. Two Ravens team members will be seated at each table to fraternize and answer questions. Join the team and be sure to bring your children and guests. For more information or to reserve a table, contact the Ed Block office at 410-821-6252.

Robert S. Coplan, M.D., M.P.H., has spent a half century studying, practicing and writing about medicine and issues facing the health care and biotechnology industries.

Copyright 2004 Dolan Media Newswires
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.