In September, the Amador County Public Health Department purchased “Mikey” for the council, a doll used to demonstrate what happens in a live baby’s brain when someone who is angry or frustrated severely shakes a young child. Mikey is an 18-inch, 10-pound doll, about the size and weight of a 2-month old infant, whose head is made of clear plastic so that the pink baby brain can be easily seen. Portions of Mikey’s little brain light up to reveal damage when he is shaken severely, providing a very powerful visual demonstration of the effects of shaking a baby.

The council has also purchased two video tapes, a CD and other educational materials to use in training sessions for teens and adults. The council has already received positive feedback from the recent presentations made to the Amador High School Child Development classes and from the HRC Child Care Resources sponsored Child Safety Workshop attendees.

Students and adults both reported that they were surprised at how quickly and easily a baby’s brain could be damaged. Thanks to the grant from RadioShack the council will be able to purchase additional educational materials, and to provide more no-cost presentations to the community.

Groups or individuals who would like to schedule a presentation, or for more information on Shaken Baby Syndrome can contact the council office at 223-5921, or email the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." target="_blank">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .