For immediate release: December 1, 2005 (05-157)

Contacts:
Chris Jamieson, WCPCAN Communications Director 206-389-2412
Teresa Jennings, State Registrar 360-236-4307
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

OLYMPIA – Washington State "heirloom" birth certificates will soon come of age with a whole new look. Beginning today, people born in our state will have the option to purchase a new, specially designed birth certificate intended to be both a lasting family keepsake and a stronger safety net for Washington children.

The heirloom birth certificate — a collaborative effort between the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect —will unveil the first new design since its creation in 1989.

"Heirloom birth certificates have served a unique tradition and purpose in our state for more than 15 years," said Teresa Jennings, Washington State Registrar. "We believed we could improve on tradition by giving the certificate new momentum and promoting support for the prevention of child abuse and neglect in our state."

The heirloom birth certificate is a legal document, personally signed by both the governor and state registrar. It has the same legal status as a standard birth certificate. However, proceeds from the sales of the heirloom birth certificate are used to support prevention programs statewide that help protect children and strengthen families throughout Washington.

"The heirloom birth certificate is truly a unique way to celebrate the life of anyone born in Washington," says Joan Sharp, executive director of the Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. "Because proceeds benefit child abuse and neglect prevention, every heirloom birth certificate sold represents a lasting contribution to Washington’s future. We are extremely proud to be a part of that."

The new heirloom birth certificate features an original Washington State inspired design by Anacortes artist Jennifer Bowman (www.jenniferbowman.com/), who was chosen to design the new birth certificate following a statewide call to artists. Bowman is an award-winning Northwest artist best known for her design work for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and Edmonds Art Festival. Her work brings a fresh, new look to the existing program.

The heirloom birth certificate will retail for $40, with more than half of the purchase price invested back into community-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Orders can be made by phone, (360) 236-4313, or online, www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/CHS/Ordering_Heirloom.htm.

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