Mesa County Shines a Light on Child Abuse Prevention in April

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) is encouraging residents to take part in building a safer, stronger community for children and families.

Throughout the month, MCDHS is highlighting the importance of prevention and the power of community support. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and every parent faces different challenges. That’s why it’s essential that we work together to ensure families in Mesa County have the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive.

“Prevention works best when it is a community effort,” says MCDHS Child Welfare Director Joe Kellerby. “When neighbors, schools, businesses, and local leaders all work together to support families, we create an environment where children can grow up safe, supported and surrounded by opportunity.”

Pinwheels are being planted around Mesa County this month as a symbol of this effort. These bright blue pinwheels represent the joy and innocence of childhood — and serve as a visual reminder that every child and youth deserves to grow up free from abuse and neglect.

MCDHS provides a wide range of services to help strengthen families and protect children, including family therapy, case management, kinship care, employment and career resources, supplemental nutrition, and much more. However, prevention begins before a crisis, and anyone can be part of the solution:

• Offer support to a parent or caregiver in your neighborhood.
• Learn the signs of abuse and neglect.
• Volunteer or donate to local family-focused programs.
• Advocate for policies that promote strong, healthy families.
• Most importantly, speak up if something doesn’t seem right.

If you suspect child abuse and/or neglect, please call the Mesa County Child Abuse hotline, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 970-242-121. If it's an emergency, always call 911.

Click here to learn more about child welfare services and resources in Mesa County.