“Big Shot” actor uses platform to call attention to child abuse & neglect, spread awareness about lifesaving resource for children & families.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – Actor, producer, musician and star of the hit Disney+ show Big Shot, John Stamos, launched a new public service announcement as part of his role as Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline spokesperson. The PSA calls for youth, survivors and parents to reach out for help to one of Childhelp’s professionally trained counselors, available 24/7 via call, text and online chat.
“I’ve always been an advocate for children’s safety. Now that I have a child of my own, I have an even deeper commitment to amplifying the work being done by Childhelp to support children, teenagers and adults in trouble,” Stamos said. “Whether you need immediate intervention, prevention resources, or a little support as you heal, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is here for you.”
Recent research published online in JAMA Pediatrics, authored by Dr. Robin Ortiz and team, highlights the role Childhelp has played in the national public health response at the intersection of COVID-19 and domestic violence. The study found a 13.75 percent increase in total number of Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline inquiries in 2020 compared to 2019
“This new public service announcement comes at a time when many families are still suffering the effects of the pandemic,” Childhelp Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman Sara O’Meara said. “As schools reopen, many children are leaving the homes of their abusers and entering a safe space such as a school or daycare for the first time since lockdown. Parents have dealt with economic stressors, which can put a strain on parenting skills and resources. Our counselors are available 24/7 to be a lifeline of support when times get tough. We cannot thank John enough for his decades of dedication to our cause and for using his voice to save lives.”
Stamos’ involvement with Childhelp began more than 30 years ago, and his contributions to the organization have included hosting Childhelp’s annual holiday party, attending Childhelp events to lend his celebrity to fundraising efforts, taking groups of children to Disneyland and visiting with children in Childhelp’s programs and services. Stamos and his wife Caitlin McHugh partnered with My Saint My Hero to create the St. Amos Wearable Blessings Collection, with 100 percent of the Stamos family net proceeds donated directly to Childhelp.
The PSA will be featured in an ad campaign on Childhelp’s Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok accounts. The ads will target youth aged 13-24 and promote the service’s text and online chat features, which launched in 2019. Funding for the ad campaign was made possible by a federal grant from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
About Childhelp: Founded by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson in 1959, Childhelp® has brought the light of hopeand healing into the lives of more than 11 million children as a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp’s programs and services include residential treatment services, children’s advocacy centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes and child abuse prevention, education and training. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline serves children and adults nationwide 24/7 through phone, text and online chat. For more information, visit www.childhelp.org and follow Childhelp at facebook.com/childhelp, Instagram.com/childhelp and twitter.com/childhelp.
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Media Contact: Savannah Harrelson | sharrelson@childhelp.org | 208-861-1609