The Darke County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss Child Abuse Awareness month and Darke County Student Government Day. Commissioners Matt Aultman, Marshall Combs and Larry Holmes were all present.
First, the board met up with Darke County law enforcement, school and government officials to proclaim April 2023 as Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month in Darke County.
April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. It was first declared in 1983.
“We are thankful to our local law enforcement agencies, all county schools, area service providers, community members, leaders and children service staff,” Michelle O’Conner, Darke County Jobs & Family Services (JFS) admin said. “This is truly a topic that requires teamwork. Without the collaboration of those I have listed, many of which are here today to support the cause, the numbers could look drastically different.”
Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness is visually represented on the courthouse lawn by the Pinwheels for Prevention that were planted by the Banner Bound 4H club.
Pinwheels for Prevention is designed to enhance community awareness about abuse and neglect and encourage support for prevention.
The 4-H Banner Bound Club planted pinwheels to represent the 780 children served during 2022. They have partnered with Darke County JFS on the project for the past 11 years.
“Children are the future of Darke County, and we strive to make this county better for them than it was when we were children,” Commissioner Altman read from the proclamation.
In addition, the board signed a proclamation declaring April 2023 as National County Government Month, and April 13, 2023 as National County Government – Student Day.
The nation’s 3,069 counties serving more than 300 million Americans provide essential services to create healthy, safe, vibrant and communities. Darke County and all counties take pride in our responsibility to protect and enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents’ lives.
The board encouraged their fellow citizens to become engaged and aware in services provided by county governments throughout Ohio.
The Darke County Board of Commissioners hold regular session every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at 520 South Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331. For more information contact the commissioner’s office at 937-547-7370.
