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CITY, ND – (NewsDakota.com) CHI Mercy Health is honoring October 12 as Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day.  On this day, staff members will educate domestic violence victims about the help and services that are available to them and inspiring action to end all forms of domestic violence.

CHI Mercy Health is also taking part in the ND Violence Prevention Program sponsored by the national Catholic Health Initiatives’ Mission and Ministry Fund.

The Violence Prevention Program is working to strengthen the way domestic violence is addressed by providing training to healthcare and other professionals on ways to better assist domestic violence victims, and by providing healthy relationship education sessions to individuals in those communities according to Stephanie Mayfield, CHI Mercy Health Mission Lead.

She said, one in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime, making domestic violence a major health issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that women who have experienced domestic violence are 80 percent more likely to have a stroke, 70 percent more likely to have heart disease, and 60 percent more likely to have asthma. 

Mayfield said, on Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day, CHI Mercy Health invites you to wear purple in recognition of the victims and survivors of domestic violence; and will be hosting a Community Open House from 1pm-3pm in the Hospital Lobby with cookies and punch. 

The Community Open House will include the local Abused Persons Outreach Center staff–to provide education on Domestic Violence and what their program offers in our community. 

CHI Mercy Health will also be holding an APOC supply drive during the month of October. The following supplies can be dropped off in the hospital lobby during the month of October:  size 6 diapers, women’s deodorant, toilet paper, and gift cards to Shopko.

If you or someone you care about is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, help and support is available 24/7. Call the Abused Persons Outreach Center (APOC) hotline at 701-845-0072 to talk to a trained domestic violence advocate.