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WHEREAS, the National Runaway Switchboard was established in 1971 to fill a need for comprehensive crisis intervention for young people; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the National Runaway Switchboard is to help keep America's runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets; and
WHEREAS, the organization serves as the federally designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth; and
WHEREAS, the 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline now handles more than 100,000 calls each year; and
WHEREAS, the Switchboard handled 3,851 calls from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, the National Runaway Switchboard's 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline is available 24-hours a day throughout the United States and its territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam; and
WHEREAS, the National Runaway Switchboard provides education and solution-focused interventions, offers non-sectarian, non-judgmental support, respects confidentiality, collaborates with volunteers, and responds to at-risk youth and their families.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby commends and thanks the members of the National Runaway Switchboard for their efforts to aid young people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares November 2006 "Runaway Prevention Month" in the City of Pittsburgh.