In early 2010, 22-month-old Danika Charles of Powell County was admitted
to the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital with hair loss and an
ulcer in her mouth, according to a report by state child-protection
workers. While at the hospital, the toddler developed bruises, and she
cried when her mother came into the room, the report said. On Feb. 19,
2010, Danika was rushed to an unnamed regional hospital, where she was
pronounced dead.
The review of Danika's case was one of 14 involving
children who died or nearly died in 2009 and 2010 that cited a need for
better communication between medical professionals and child-protection
workers, according to an analysis by the Lexington Herald-Leader of 86
such reviews.
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