MEDIA CONTACT
Garret Swanson, (402) 480-0883,
garret.swanson@nebraska.gov
Pinwheel Planting Ceremony to be Held on April 4 at Governor's Mansion; Proclamation Signing Ceremony to Follow
Lincoln– April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Nebraska Child Abuse Prevention Fund Board (NCAPF), the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF), and Bring Up Nebraska Partners encourage all Nebraskans to get in involved in their communities to highlight the need to prevent child abuse.
To kickoff Child Abuse Prevention Month in Nebraska, DHHS along with NCFF and First Lady Susanne Shore is inviting the media to participate in an event to plant blue pinwheels in front of the Governor's mansion. Pinwheel planting will take place in the front grass of the Governor's mansion at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4 and a proclamation signing ceremony will be held at 11 am in the Capitol.
In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America started using blue pinwheels to signify a vision where all children can grow up in supportive families and communities. Children who grow up with nurturing relationships and supportive communities are more academically successful and more likely to grow up to be productive members of society. Blue pinwheels are a reminder of the role we all play in children's lives.
For families that need preventative services or are looking to get involved in Child Abuse Prevention month, visit BringUpNebraska.org to connect with the community collaborative in your area.
Bring Up Nebraska partners want individuals to understand that small actions can make a big difference in a child and parent's life. Anyone can help families and communities thrive by recognizing and incorporating some of these action items:
- Find ways to support your local community collaborative and encourage others to do the same.
- Spread the word to people who may be feeling overwhelmed that they can reach out to their local collaborative to get connected to resources and support to meet their goals.
- Encourage sharing stories about how they take small but impactful steps to support children and families in their communities.
- Follow NCFF and DHHS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and share our posts widely—and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #BringUpNebraska and #CAPMonth to let us know you're committed to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.
To help spread awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Bring Up Nebraska partners will be organizing other events and spreading information about how to spot child abuse on social media.
Other Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month events in Nebraska include:
Lincoln County Child Abuse Prevention Council and Families 1st Partnership
- Mayoral Proclamation, Friday, April 1, North Platte.
- Wear Blue Day every Friday in April.
- Pinwheel planting at Courthouse with Guardians of the Children.
Columbus Area Child Abuse Prevention Council and Community and Family Partnership
- Blue quart jars with pinwheel bouquets distributed to local businesses and service providers on April 1.
- Wear Blue Day on April 8 with a prize for the most creative Facebook post.
- Diaper changing pads with information on child development provided to parents of all infants born at the hospital in April.
- Bikers and Bobbers event on April 2, hosted with Guardians of the Children.
- Distribution of bags with products and information at YMCA Healthy Kids Day, April 30.
Sandhills Community Collaborative with Loup City Sixpence
- Kids Fair with meal and prizes, April 2, Loup City.
Dawson County Family Partners
- Healthy Kids Night on April 29 in Lexington. Distribution of baby care items.
Growing Community Connections
- Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation at South Sioux City Council meeting, April 11.
Community Impact Network of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, Webster
- Reusable grocery bags with products and activities provided to CASA families in April.
- Diaper changing pads distributed through child care programs.
Fremont Family Coalition
- Party in the Park with the distribution of materials on April 2.
- Dodge County Board of Supervisors proclamation of April 2-8 as Week of the Young Child.
- Facebook and website posts on prevention.