Child Abuse Prevention Month Begins with Pinwheel Planting on April 4

The Guilford County Division of Public Health (GCDPH), the Kellin Foundation, and other community partners have joined to provide various events and initiatives to promote the safety and well-being of children in Guilford County during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

The month’s activities begin on April 4 with Community Pinwheel Planting Day. Residents, nonprofit organizations, schools, agencies, and businesses are invited to plant pinwheels – the national symbol for child abuse prevention.

To get a pinwheel to plant and a yard sign, you can sponsor Kellin Foundation’s work to support children and families by visiting www.kellinfoundation.org.  Nonprofit organizations including schools can still get pinwheels without sponsorship by contacting Melissa Burkes (GCDPH) at (336) 641-6253 or mburkes@guilfordcountync.gov.

Dr. Iulia Vann, Guilford County Public Health Director said, ‘We take our role to protect children and families in Guilford County very seriously. This month, we are proud to support the work Kellin Foundation and other community organizations do to raise awareness and decrease child abuse cases locally and beyond.”

Kellin Foundation Executive Director Dr. Kelly Graves said “In 2020, there were 22,400 child abuse victims in North Carolina. By our count, that's 22,400 too many. Our staff works hard to help children thrive every day. This April, we’re asking Guilford to join us in this nationwide effort. It is time to plant a pinwheel. Then join our parent talk, learn the signs of child abuse, or meet with other community partners who are working to keep children well.”

National Child Abuse Prevention Month Free Community Events:

•       Friday, April 1: Wear Blue Day - Show your support for the essential work needed to ensure a better, safer future for all children by wearing blue. Take a selfie and post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with #WearBlueDay2022.

•       Monday, April 4: Community Pinwheels for Prevention Planting Day - Get your pinwheels and place them in your home or business as a symbol of your commitment to children.

•       Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 pm: Let's Talk Tuesday: A Focus on Families with the Kellin Foundation - A parent-focused virtual discussion providing coping strategies. Part of the Guilford County Partnership for Children's Week of the Young Child.  

•       Wednesday, April 6, 11 am: The Partnership for Children's Virtual Resources Fair, showcasing local agencies that offer services for children.

•       Wednesday, April 6, 11:30 am: Resilient Guilford Network Collaborative Meeting - A coalition of community members and service providers working to build a more resilient community. •   Friday, April 8, 10 am: Stewards of Children Training - This in-person Darkness to Light Community Training teaches adults how to recognize, prevent and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

•       Tuesday, April 26, 6 pm: Stewards of Children - Virtual training opportunity.

•       Saturday, April 30, 10 am to 1 pm: Healthy Kids Day at Barber Park - In partnership with the YMCA of Greensboro, this event will feature food trucks, community resources, a Smiles 4 Miles family fun run, bounce house, yard games, giveaways and more.

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