BROWNSVILLE, Texas — April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Valley Regional Medical Center partnered with Tip of Texas Family Outreach to raise awareness about prevention efforts before abuse occurs.
On Tuesday, March 31, colleagues planted blue pinwheels outside the hospital as part of a nationally recognized symbol representing the safe, healthy childhood every child deserves. The event served as a local kickoff to a nationwide campaign focused on strengthening families and communities to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Introduced by Prevent Child Abuse America®, the blue pinwheel is a visual reminder of the role individuals and organizations play in creating supportive environments for children.
City of Brownsville Commissioner Nurith Galonsky and Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino presented proclamations recognizing Tip of Texas Family Outreach for its work to strengthen families and help prevent child abuse. The recognition was part of the community’s kickoff for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Valley Regional Medical Center’s emergency services teams support child abuse prevention through early identification, specialized medical evaluations and mandatory reporting to the appropriate authorities.
“Our emergency services colleagues are trained to recognize signs of abuse and work closely with Child Protective Services and forensic evaluation teams to help protect children who come to our hospital,” said Luis Martinez, assistant chief nursing officer for Valley Regional Medical Center. “Seeing our teams come together to plant these pinwheels is a reminder that we all have a role in helping protect children.”
Alma Herrera, executive director of Tip of Texas Family Outreach, led the pinwheel planting.
"Today we have planted more than pinwheels,” she said. “We have planted hope. May these pinwheels be a constant reminder that every child deserves to be raised in a loving, safe and healthy home environment. Thank you, Valley Regional Medical Center and its emergency services teams for standing up for the most vulnerable and inspiring our community to protect them, because protecting children is everyone's job."
Learn more about resources to strengthen families and help prevent child abuse and neglect