Sam Solakyan: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CEO of Global Holdings, Sam Solakyan, has accepted an invitation to join the prestigious Board of Directors for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Since he began working with the NCMEC, Solakyan has championed the organization's cause in multiple capacities, including serving on its Advisory Council. "We're delighted to have Sam on the Board of Directors for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children," said John Ryan, NCMEC's president and CEO. "Sam has a big heart and truly cares about keeping children safe."

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The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was established in 1984 by former President Ronald Reagan, and is the leading nonprofit organization in the U.S. working to rescue missing and sexually exploited children. But their ascent to the fore was not an easy climb. Thirty years ago, law enforcement had no way of entering a missing child's information into the FBI database. It was not until one family's tragedy gained notoriety that real change began to occur.

In 1981 Adam Walsh, a six-year old boy from Florida, went missing. His family turned to the police but with little resources at their disposal their options were limited. Tragically, Adam died before authorities were able to rescue him. The Walsh family wanted no other families to experience such pain and loss, so in 1981 they formed the Adam Walsh Outreach Center for Missing Children. That outreach center later merged with the NCMEC, and since that time the fight to recover missing children has only intensified. Today, with all the amazing work the NCMEC undertakes, along with increased public awareness, improved technology and stronger legislation, the number of recovered missing children has skyrocketed from 62 percent in 1990 to 97 percent. "It's so sad that sometimes it takes real tragedy to effect change," says Sam Solakyan, "but I'm proud to be a part of that change."

The NCMEC has recovered more than 188,000 missing young people over the years by combining efforts with law enforcement, families, and field professionals, and utilizing tools such as the CyberTipline® and its toll free 24-hour National Missing Children Hotline.  A staple in the rescue and recovery of missing children, the organization also provides prevention and safety resources to families and professionals through workshops and campaigns. One such campaign, Infant Abductions, provides vital statistics and information on infant abductions as well as technical assistance for security personnel and healthcare professionals. Additionally, the Take 25® campaign encourages parents and guardians to devote 25 minutes a day for discussing safety measures and abduction prevention with their children. These measures, along with many other programs offered by the NCMEC, are vital tools in educating the public on Internet safety and preventing child abduction.

"The people at the NCMEC work around the clock to provide the resources and support necessary to bring innocent victims home safely," said Solakyan. "These men and women, who put their lives on the line each day, need every tool at their disposal. I am eager to help further their mission in any way that I can." Recently, Solakyan worked with NCMEC to fund, develop and host a training course focusing on the dangers of child sex trafficking. The course will equip law enforcement officers with the newest, most effective techniques from experts in the field.

"Every day, children are sold for sex on the Internet and in communities, large and small, across America," stated John Ryan. "Sam's new training program for law enforcement will help us greatly in the fight against child sex trafficking." NCMEC's Program Specialist, Dan Mills, reinforced Ryan's sentiment by stating, "Sam's dedication and commitment to ending child sex trafficking and his willingness to support NCMEC's law enforcement training program could not have come at a better time! His involvement has allowed us to launch a comprehensive training program designed to train law enforcement across the country on the unique aspects of child sex trafficking victims. I look forward to continue developing our relationship with Sam in the future!" The training takes place January 27 - 31, 2014 at the Museum of Tolerance.

"The work we do at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children relies on partnerships with people and organizations who understand that child safety is a responsibility we all share," said John Ryan. "Sam embodies this philosophy and is just as passionate as we are about these issues. I am excited to see the progress that we will make together for children facing abduction and exploitation." Sam is also looking forward to what his future with the NCMEC holds. "It has been a privilege to be part of an organization whose work I so passionately believe in," said Solakyan. "I look forward to taking my involvement to a new level."

If you would like to get involved, make a donation, or learn more about the incredible work of the NCMEC, visit: http://www.missingkids.com.  

About Global Holdings

Since its incorporation in 2002, Global Holdings, Inc. has developed a growing portfolio of cutting-edge businesses in a broad array of service industries, including healthcare and finance. Global Holdings' service-oriented business philosophy is evidenced each of its respective entities, including Paramount Management Services, Inc., Vital Imaging, Global MDX, Global Pharmaceuticals, and Vital Medical Services. http://www.globalholdings.com/

SOURCE Global Holdings, Inc.