NCDHHS, in partnership with the Positive Childhood Alliance of NC (PCANC), kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month on Tuesday, April 1, with a pinwheel planting event at Pullen Park in Raleigh. The annual event featured speakers from both organizations, including NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai; NCDHHS Division Director of Human Services Lisa Cauley, MSW; PCANC Director Sharon Hirsch; and PCANC Parent Leader Sanaa Sharrieff. Attendees planted hundreds of blue "Pinwheels for Prevention" across the park as a symbol of hope for strong families and supportive communities rooted in prevention.
The event reflected the 2025 national theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month, "Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention," which highlights the importance of working together to create the conditions that build a stronger future for all. Community and partner organizations from across North Carolina – including the NC Family Resource Center, Fiesta Cristiana, Salvation Army, Triple P, Bike Against Child Abuse, local law enforcement and local health departments – came together to show support, share resources, and reaffirm their commitment to prevention.
The family-friendly event provided critical resources and information as well as entertainment and fun for parents and children alike. Highlights included a juggler on stilts and a balloon artist, and Pullen Park was filled with joy and positivity as attendees enjoyed the beautiful spring weather. Participants left the event reminded of the critical role we all play in helping North Carolina’s children reach their full potential.
Child Abuse Prevention Month continues throughout April. Please join us this month and throughout the year by supporting NCDHHS and PCANC’s work to advance family-centered prevention programs and policies. Additional opportunities to participate include:
- Wearing blue today, Friday, April 4, to show support for children and families. Post a ‘Wear Blue Day’ photo or video on social media and include the hashtags #WearBlueDay2025 #NC
- Participating in digital advocacy day on Tuesday, April 9, to advocate for increased federal investment in community-based child abuse prevention grants that provide states and communities with critical resources to prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Following PCANC on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and sharing our posts throughout April and encouraging friends and family to do the same.
For more ways to get involved, please visit the Positive Childhood Alliance's website. See pictures from the event below.
