Child Abuse Prevention Month recognized

Stoddard County commissioners signed a proclamation Monday declaring the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The proclamation calls upon citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, schools, law enforcement, elected leaders and businesses to increase their participation strengthening the community.

Teresa Overall, with Mothers to Mothers, and Melanie Stoelting, with Parents As Teachers, presented the commissioners with blue pinwheels during their presentation.

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced blue pinwheels as the national symbol for child abuse prevention.

The pinwheel represents the playfulness and joy of a great childhood that every child deserves, and the role the public plays in providing a loving and supporting environment.

Overall said, “We all play a part in children’s lives,” and encouraged everyone in the community to get involved.

Overall mentioned the following ways to get involved:

• Wear blue Friday

• Display the blue pinwheel in your yard or at work

• Attend the community pinwheel walk April 13.

The Community Pinwheel Walk will be held at the West City Park from 10 a.m. to noon. No registration needed. Just show up, organizers said. For questions, call Overall at 573-820-5770.