April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

There is nothing more dear to our hearts at Columbia Orthodontics than children. We have children of our own. We see children every day, and we love them. Nothing is more disheartening than to hear about children who are wounded by those who are supposed to protect them.

Every hurting child needs a voice. Strong, nurturing communities that are supportive of families can get involved and play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect and promoting child and family well-being.

To bring attention to this important cause, The Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center (CJC) planted pinwheel gardens in various locations around Vancouver. Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention and awareness, because they symbolize a happy and uplifting childhood that every child deserves. Pinwheel gardens in our community are designed to encourage everyone who sees them to become involved in protecting children from abuse and neglect.

To report child (or adult) abuse, call 866-ENDHARM in Washington State.