A clothesline of denim items is displayed in recognition of Denim Day. The first Denim Day occurred in 1999 in Los Angeles.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
Blue and silver pinwheels are once again on display throughout Churchill County as a visual reminder to show support for children’s safety and the preservation of a happy childhood.
Representatives from the community gathered at Millennium Park on Friday in a ceremony dedicating the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year the Prevent Child Abuse organization’s national campaign theme is “powered by hope, strengthened by prevention,” recognizing that when families have the right support, they can build a brighter future for their children.
Churchill County Commission Chair Myles Getto said in 2024 the county had over 368 reports of neglected and abused youth.
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time for us to come together as a community to raise awareness, support survivors and work toward a future where every child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment,” Getto said. “Your presence here today is a powerful reminder of the collective strength we have in making a difference. Together we can create change and protect our most vulnerable.”
Guest speaker Marla McDade Williams, administrator at the Nevada Division of Child and Welfare Services, said that active and consistent prevention through local services is the key to keeping families together.
A large part of the current abuse crisis is fueled by opioid abuse, McDade Williams said, and it’s a bigger problem in Fallon and Churchill County than in Reno or Las Vegas. She said that her office has facilitated an unprecedented 80 adoptions this year within its service area.
“Parents don’t set out to hurt their children,” McDade Williams said. “Abuse can happen to any family in any household. Be a voice for children to instill hope and prevent further harm.”
Getto said the local Court Appointed Special Advocates program celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. CASA volunteers are trained individuals who support abused and neglected children while they are in the court system. The CASA Kids Kloset accepts donations of personal hygiene items, clothing, shoes, toys and school supplies for youth in Division of Child and Family Services custody.
For information or to donate call 775-423-6088 or email Program Manager Shana Plount at splount@churchillcourts.org.
Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford read the official proclamation and invited residents to join in outreach efforts that include Pinwheels for Prevention and symbolically wearing blue every Friday in April.
“With the overarching goals of community resource, public awareness, prevention programs and advocacy, Prevent Child Abuse Nevada has the vision to be a community leader, partner and resource in preventing child abuse and neglect.”
Churchill County Social Services is sponsoring free family activities all month long. The Great Easter Egg Hunt geocaching challenge begins Saturday at 8 a.m. Five treasure caches will be hidden containing small treats and clues to finding the golden egg.
A family fun carnival is set for April 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the William N. Pennington Life Center. A special showing of “Inside Out” at the Fallon Theatre on April 25 begins at 6 p.m.
For information visit churchillcountyrecreation.org or the county’s Facebook page.