April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when Warren County Health Department, Warren County Department of Social Services and other community agencies join Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina, formerly Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, and Prevent Child Abuse America in connecting with families, communities, prevention advocates, and supporters to focus on the creation of an ecosystem of primary prevention in the U.S. and emphasize the importance of building a narrative of hope for the future of children and families.

The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign, led by Prevent Child Abuse America and its national network of state chapters, is “Building A Hopeful Future, Together.”

The Warren County Health Department notes that children who live in families with access to economic and concrete support are less likely to experience abuse and neglect, adding that society often thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone. This simply isn’t true. Community support and partnerships can help lighten the burden parents and caregivers face and strengthen families.

“Every family and child should live in a connected community with access to the support they need when they need it so they can live purposeful lives with hope for the future,” said Dr. Margaret Brake, health director. “We hope that this month, our community will join us in our efforts and become partners in this critical work.”

This year, Positive Childhood Alliance NC celebrates its 45th anniversary with a renewed commitment to work alongside its partners and communities to support the state’s children and families — leading to a more prosperous future for us all. In collaboration with statewide partners like Warren County Health Department, PCANC joins its parent chapter, Prevent Child Abuse America, in championing a new theory of change, which aims to build the primary prevention ecosystem.

“At PCANC, we are committed to challenging the status quo and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of all North Carolina children and families,” said Sharon Hirsch, president and CEO of Positive Childhood Alliance NC. “By offering data-driven coaching and professional development, building public understanding, and advocating for systemic change, we’re working towards a future where every child has positive experiences filled with hope and joy, supported by caring relationships and connected communities.”

During this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, PCANC is on a mission to reshape the narrative and increase investments in programs and policies that prioritize children and families, especially those who have been left behind.

“We are committed to addressing the structural and social determinants of health and well-being, including poverty and systemic racism,” the organization stated. “Through strategic partnerships and advocacy efforts, we aim to disrupt traditional beliefs about prevention systems and advocate for family-friendly policies which alleviate stress on parents and caregivers. Together, we can build a hopeful future for every North Carolina child and their families.”

The community can help Warren County Health Department and PCANC advance family-centered prevention programs and policies by taking action in the following ways:

•  Show support by wearing blue on April 5 for #WearBlueDay2024. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2024 and #PCANC hashtags.

•  Participate in Prevent Child Abuse America’s nationwide digital advocacy day on April 16. Contact your member of Congress to advocate for increased investments in Title II, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention grants, of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to provide states and communities with the

resources to implement community-based solutions to prevent child abuse and neglect.

• Follow Warren County Health Department and PCANC on social media and share posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #BuildingTogether, #PreventionInPartnership, #PCANC and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.

• Plant a pinwheel — Warren County Child Fatality Prevention Team will be planting pinwheels on Monday, April 8, at Warren County Department of Social Service at 9 a.m., Warren County Health Department at 10 a.m., and at Warren County Courthouse at 2 p.m.

For more ways to get involved in CAP Month this April, visit PositiveChildhood

AllianceNC.org