Macon-Bibb Observes Child Abuse Prevention Month with Pinwheel Garden and Proclamation

Mayor Lester Miller joined leaders and staff at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital on Friday, April 4, to plant a pinwheel garden, a visual symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Mayor Miller also presented an official proclamation, declaring April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Macon-Bibb County.

“Macon-Bibb is committed to ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect by working together to support the children of our community,” Mayor Miller stated.

The pinwheel garden, located at the corner of Spring and Pine streets in front of the children’s hospital, will serve as a reminder throughout April of the importance of child safety and well-being.

Kemberlie Sanderson, Director of Crescent House, central Georgia’s children’s advocacy center, emphasized the vulnerability of children and their right to a safe and nurturing environment. “That’s why it’s so important that we call attention to child abuse this month and learn how we can work together to recognize and prevent child abuse in central Georgia,” Sanderson said.

Statistics from the Georgia Department of Public Health indicate that Georgia ranks 38th in the nation for child well-being. Nationally, it is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child abuse.

The Crescent House provides specialized services to children who have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse, utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach including medical professionals, forensic interviewers, victim advocates, and child life specialists.

For more information about services for children, visit childrenshospitalnh.org.