LABELLE — The Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties (FDOH Hendry/Glades) recognizes the importance of community-based support for all children and families during National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in April. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign is “Everyone can help families thrive. Especially you!”

Throughout Hendry and Glades, you will see pinwheels displayed. pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention. The pinwheel represents our hope that every child will be raised in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment. It is also a call to action, encouraging people everywhere to recognize that children are our future and that we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. If you or your business would like pinwheels and signs to show support, please contact Jessica Ivy at 863-302-6065 or email at Jessica.Ivy@flhealth.gov.

FDOH Hendry/Glades encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Hendry and Glades a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote children’s social and emotional well-being and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities.

“April is a time to reaffirm the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said Jennifer Hood, administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties.

The risk to our nation’s children for experiencing child abuse and neglect in times of extreme stress and uncertainty remains high. Stress can overload parents and caregivers, such as loss of employment, loss of income, and food insecurity.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

FDOH Hendry/Glades and Prevent Child Abuse Florida recommends the following ways that people everywhere can help raise awareness and impact virtually during this year’s CAP Month:

• Wear blue on April 1, Wear Blue Day, to show support for children and families. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2022 hashtag

• Participate in the “Ride-Along Event” on April 9. Ride with the Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and the staff from FDOH Hendry/Glades to raise awareness about Childhood Prevention Month (Starting at 9 a.m. at the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle).
• Follow Prevent Child Abuse Florida on social media and share posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same.
• Use the hashtag #GreatChildhood, #WearBlue. #PinwheelsForPrevention and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.

For more ways to get involved in CAP Month, please visit www.ounce.org/CAP_toolkit.html