KEYSTONE CLIPS Newborn drop-off policy becomes law statewide

A program that has been in Lawrence County for over a year will now go statewide.
"A Hand to Hold," a program that allows new parents to drop off newborns at hospitals with no questions asked, was signed into state law Dec. 9 by Gov. Mark Schweiker. The Newborn Protection Act provides the basic framework Lawrence County has been following for the last 18 months.
The legislation protects new parents not wishing to care for their children from prosecution and provides for a continuing-education program for potential young parents.
Matthew Mangino, Lawrence County district attorney, said the education component is crucial to the success of the act.
"A Hand to Hold" was created by Patricia Weaver and originally launched in Allegheny County. Lawrence County was the second county in Pennsylvania to launch the program, after a newborn baby's body was found in Ellwood City nearly two years ago. There are 19 hospitals in western Pennsylvania now participating in the program, including Jameson Health System and Ellwood City Hospital. The bill will take effect Feb. 8.
Holiday crashes
Five people were killed in traffic crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the two-day Christmas holiday Tuesday and Wednesday, said State Police Commissioner Col. Paul J. Evanko. He noted that three people were not wearing seat belts. In addition to the five fatalities, 231 people were injured in 901 crashes that state police investigated. Evanko said 31 of the crashes were alcohol-related, including one of the fatal crashes.
Troopers issued 332 speeding citations, arrested 52 people on charges of driving under the influence and cited 30 operators for not wearing seat belts.
XCONTRIBUTOR: Laure Cioffi of the Vindicator New Castle Bureau.