Joint Release: New Tool Launches to Help Prevent Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Media Contact: Kelli Hawkins | khawkins@srhd.org | (509) 324.1539, c (509) 994.8968
April is National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
Spokane, Wash. – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and Our kids: Our business (OkOb) are announcing the launch of Project Pinwheel to kick off Childhood Abuse and Neglect Prevention month.
Project Pinwheel is a public awareness campaign that provides examples of actionable steps Spokane County residents can take to prevent child abuse and neglect in our communities.
“We as member agencies are proud of the partnership, not only among our agencies but with SHRD, to spread the message throughout our community that we are all in this together and we can all play a role in elevating supports for children and their parents,” explained Dena Chappell, OKOB president.
Recent reports including Confronting Violence and State of Women and Children in Spokane County have shown that rates of child abuse and neglect are higher in Spokane County than throughout the state. To help reverse this trend, SRHD and OkOb have created a centralized website for community members to find information on:
- Practical ways individuals with different roles in the community can prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Safe ways to connect with others that follow current public health guidance.
- Local resources that support parenting and caregiving.
- The importance of investing in children and families for current and future community benefit.
“Early experiences during childhood have a lifelong impact,” said Ashley Beck, associate director of community health at SRHD. “Ensuring that families and children, especially those between the ages of 0-5, have what they need to thrive emotionally, socially and economically is imperative for our community to prosper. The future of our society depends on the wellbeing of its children and families now – we are investing in our future leaders, workers, and caregivers.”
“This is an important call to action to get involved today,” said Lee Williams, CEO of Community-Minded Enterprises, a member agency of OkOb. “Preventing child abuse and neglect is everyone’s responsibility, and these resources are a great step.”
This topic was also covered by both Chappell and Dr. Francisco Velázquez, Spokane County Interim Public Health Officer, on SRHD’s March 31st Facebook Live.
Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.
Our kids: Our business is committed to community action to end child abuse through awareness, education, resources, and collaboration. Working hard to create a community where all children are valued, nurtured, and loved.