April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to stand together and support the safety and well-being of children in our community. Across Mount Nittany Health locations this month, blue pinwheels have been planted as a symbol childhood hope, joy, and resilience.
The pinwheel was chosen as the national symbol for child abuse prevention because it represents the happy carefree childhood that every child deserves.
“Each pinwheel is a visual reminder of our collective responsibility to protect children,” says Kim Saltsman, Executive Director of the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County. “At the CAC, we are committed to being a safe, trusted place for children to share their stories, begin healing, and know they are not alone.”
Our work doesn’t end in April. The Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County is always here to help, providing a safe, comfortable environment where children can talk with a specially trained interviewer about difficult experiences they may have faced and are offered a medical exam. The center works closely with local agencies to ensure children receive the care, support, and resources they need to heal.
If you suspect that a child in your family or community is experiencing abuse or neglect or has witnessed a crime, it’s crucial to speak up. You can contact ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, available 24/7. Calls can be anonymous, and reporting concerns could make all the difference in a child’s life.