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PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH AND A NEW LOCATION FOR THE UPMC CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER OF CENTRAL PA.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in support of the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa. (CAC), the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation will be deploying hundreds of blue pinwheels to 5 hospital locations through Central Pa. The blue pinwheels represent the carefree and bright childhood that most children should have, but some are robbed of. By acknowledging abuse, and raising awareness, we can create conversations around prevention.

The CAC is one of the oldest child advocacy centers in Pennsylvania and works diligently to reduce the trauma and aftermath of child abuse by providing a safe environment, forensic interviews, specialized medical care, and mental health services. The center relies on grants, community donations, and contracts with county children and youth agencies. Families are never billed for services they receive at the CAC, including ongoing trauma-focused therapy.

The CAC and the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation are proud to announce the opening of a new CAC location in Carlisle in August 2022. "We listen, provide care, and connect... we are planting seeds of hope and resiliency so kids and families can have healing beyond their traumatic experiences," said Forensic Interviewer Shannon Cossaboom. "...the satellite office in Carlisle will meet the needs of Cumberland County children and families. The CAC also expanded mental health services to include several therapeutic modalities not offered by other providers," said CAC Director of Operations Lynn Carson.

When you see the shiny blue sea of pinwheels on your drive this April, take a moment to remember the plight of these unseen children and know that you too can make a difference to help prevent child abuse. Gifts made to the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation in support of Pinwheels for Prevention will go directly toward the needs of the CAC and make a tremendous difference in the life of children throughout Central Pa. To learn more or support the campaign, visit UPMCPinnacleFoundation.org/CAC