Fun Family Events Planned During Child Abuse Prevention Month

Shelby County Public Health and the Shelby County Prevent Child Abuse Council (SCPCAC) are kicking off a campaign to celebrate community efforts to strengthen families and support positive childhood experiences.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month features the blue pinwheel as the symbol of the joyful childhood all children deserve. In honor of child abuse prevention month, the Shelby County Prevent Child Abuse Council and Myrtue Medical Center’s Public Health Department are offering the following child-focused events:

Kids Fest 2022: Kids Fest is a health and safety fair for children ages 0-11 years of age held at Veteran’s Auditorium on April 23, 2022 from 9-11:00 A.M. The health fair showcases many community partners that will provide interactive educational booths that support healthy child development. Each child will receive a helmet, safety equipment or toy that promotes physical activity. Additionally, there are grand prizes, including six new Trek bikes, 80 scooters, and season or day passes to activities in the regional area. Activities include a mini-carnival, a drone demonstration, tumbling, face-painting, poisoning prevention, family connections, emergency planning, vision screening, immunization review, Earth Day activities, sun safety, taste testing, oral health, and so much more. Outside, we will have tours of emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and law enforcement vehicles.

A Bike Rodeo will be available to children ages 5-11 to promote safe bike-riding skills. Children that participate in the Bike Rodeo will need to bring their own bike in order to navigate the obstacle course. The Shelby County Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Council will have booths that promote family meals, healthy child routines, and fun. PCA booths will offer books, bath time supplies, crockpots, and games. This event is made possible due to substantial community support through donations, grants and community partner participation. Join us for this community-wide event that celebrates the health and safety of area children.

Fishing for Fun: Myrtue Medical Center’s Learning for Life program is providing a “Fishing for Fun” event on Monday, May 9th from 5:00-7:30 PM at Nishnabend, 516 Maple Road, Harlan, Iowa. This annual event brings parents and children together to fish, play games, have a meal, and receive fishing licenses for 2022. Rain date will be May 23rd in the event of inclement weather. Registration is required for planning purposes at shelbycountyclinics.com or you may call Public Health at 712.755.4422.

Proclamation Signing: Shelby County Board of Health Chairperson, Dr. Phil Markham, will sign a Shelby County Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation urging all citizens to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families. The proclamation signing will be posted on Myrtue Medical Center’s website and the Shelby County PCA Council Facebook page.

Pinwheel Gardens: The Shelby County PCA Council and Myrtue Medical Center’s Learning for Life Public Health program will offer pinwheel planting in each town throughout Shelby County. The blue pinwheel has become a national symbol for child abuse prevention efforts and it serves as a reminder that all children deserve a happy, safe childhood. The pinwheel gardens represent that Shelby County communities stand together in a united effort to promote safe and healthy environments in which children can grow and thrive.

April is a great time to renew our commitment to the children in this community. We thank all of our community child abuse prevention partners for their support and celebrate each opportunity to provide health and safety education and activities that promote positive childhood experiences. Please call Myrtue Medical Center’s Public Health Department at 712.755.4422 for questions on any of these upcoming events.