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News Release

04-08-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Child Abuse Prevention Month (Photo) - 04/08/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2026

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to issue a proclamation in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month during their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.  The proclamation acknowledges that child abuse and neglect are serious issues impacting every part of our community. It highlights that effective prevention efforts are only possible through strong partnerships and collaboration among local health and social service agencies, law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, public and private schools, the medical community, civic and faith-based organizations, the business sector, volunteer groups, and local families.   A copy of the live video from the presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

Prior to the meeting, attendees gathered with the Douglas County Commissioners on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse to line the walkways with pinwheels, part of a nationwide tradition during Child Abuse Prevention Month. The annual “planting” of pinwheels raises awareness for children who endure abuse and neglect, while honoring the dedicated professionals and community members who work tirelessly to protect them. Introduced in 2008 by Prevent Child Abuse America through their Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign, the pinwheel has become a national symbol of child abuse prevention, representing the joy, playfulness, and spirit of childhood and reminding us that every child deserves a safe and happy upbringing.  Commissioners encourage community members and local businesses to place pinwheels for prevention in their front yards and storefronts as a visible symbol of hope, awareness, and our shared commitment to protecting children. 

 

Commissioner Kress opened the proclamation presentation thanking the attendees for their commitment to this critical cause and stated, “It is my honor to welcome you today as we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month here in Douglas County.  Our children are our most valuable resource, and their safety, stability, and well-being must always be a top priority. Today’s proclamation is more than words; it is a call to action. It reminds us that preventing child abuse is not the responsibility of one agency or one individual, but of an entire community working together.  When families are supported, when neighbors look out for one another, and when we invest in services that strengthen and protect children, we build a stronger, healthier future for everyone.”

 

Commissioner Chris Boice read the official proclamation, followed by Commissioner Kress recognizing the attending local agencies with “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” proclamation certificates, honoring their unwavering dedication to the children and families of Douglas County.  Representatives from the following agencies attended the Proclamation Presentation today: Marion Pearson, Mercy Foundation - Up2UsNow Coalition; Lisa Platt, Mercy Foundation; Russ Wooley, CHI Mercy Health; Bryanna Paradice, UCAN Healthy Families; Hayley Rush, UCAN Healthy Families; Corene Adair, UCAN Healthy Families; Dalita Lara, UCAN Healthy Families; Brennan Cappa, UCAN Healthy Families; Kat Cooper, Umpqua Health Alliance and Family Development Center; Wendy Lang, Douglas County Juvenile Department; Holly O’Dell, Douglas County Juvenile Department; Lindsey Stanton, ODHA Child Welfare; Jessica Hunter, ODHA Child Welfare; Marlena Potter, Cow Creek Tribal Child Welfare; Skylar Moreland, Cow Creek Child Welfare; Shawn, Hopfer, Aviva Health – Child Advocacy Services; Lauren Haddock, Aviva Health – Child Advocacy Services; Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Chief Gary Klopfenstein, Roseburg Police Department; AC Clough III, Glide Rural Fire Department; Chief Rob Bullock, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue. 

 

Commissioner Kress invited agency representatives to speak about the work their agency does for this monumental effort to help and protect children. The agencies emphasized the far-reaching impact of child abuse in Douglas County and the importance of a strong, multi-disciplinary agency response. Marion Pearson, Violence Prevention Program Manager at Mercy Foundation in partnership with CHI Mercy Health and Up2US Now Coalition, emphasized the power of community partnerships in addressing abuse and exploitation. “Thank you Commissioners for the proclamation today and for recognizing the valuable work being done in our community to prevent child abuse. Mercy and Mercy Foundation for decades has been dedicated to the health and welfare of Douglas County residents.  It is through that work that our dedication to lift-up and support our community members to address these social determinates of health with value-based care and seeing everyone in our community as a whole person – rather than just as a patient or just a victim or a survivor.  I wanted to recognize that we could not do any of this work without you here supporting us and without the people that are in this room today and those who were unable to attend today.”

 

Next, Bryanna Paradice, Program Manager for UCAN’s Healthy Families – Home Visiting Program, addressed those gathered in the gallery. “First, I wanted to thank the Commissioners for holding this proclamation meeting today and bringing us all together to talk about child abuse, neglect and abuse prevention.  It shows a strong commitment to kids and families throughout our county.  For me I like promoting child abuse and neglect prevention month not to spook or scare or shame anyone but rather bring attention to all the wonderful support agencies and services we have available to the folks in our county.  When we can connect parents to concrete resources – making sure their basic needs are met – and that they have access to healthcare and behavioral health care – we see stronger outcomes with those families.”

 

Lindsey Stanton, Program Manager for Oregon Department of Health and Human Services spoke next and stated, “This month reminds us that protecting children is a shared responsibility.  Child welfare goes beyond the work of extending to harm.  We partner with families and support parents in crisis and collaborate with school, law enforcement, and community organizations who are in this room today.  I also want to recognize something critically important.  When Douglas CARES unexpectedly closed their doors, our community faced a potential crisis.  Child advocacy centers are essential for child safety, trauma-informed medical exams and coordinated investigations.  Without this program the impact to our community was immediate and severe.  However, Aviva Health (thank you) stepped in without hesitation.  They mobilized quickly, kept services accessible, and ensured children did not lose that vital support.  We are incredibly fortunate to have Aviva in our community.  Every child we meet we work towards, not just safety, but stability, healing and hope.  We are grateful for continued partnerships and for this support for our communities.”

 

Concluding the discussion, Sheriff John Hanlin with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office spoke about how thankful he is for the cooperative community collaborations we have here in Douglas County, “I want to let everyone know that thanks to the support from the County Commissioners and local City Governments, we have very active Detectives Divisions and when abuse cases come before us each agency handles those cases as a priority, but when you have major cases we have the ability of pooling our resources together and we do that frequently.  The cooperation and collaboration we share with the other law enforcement agencies in Douglas County is unique and we are very fortunate to have that.  I want to sincerely say thank you to all the agencies that help us raise awareness about child abuse and prevention.”  

 

The Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Douglas County and urge all citizens to join in the important work of preventing child abuse and neglect. By raising awareness and standing together to protect children, we can help ensure brighter, safer futures for all.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 |

Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached.  Individual photos are available upon request. Photo © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County

Attached Media Files: 04-08-26ChildAbusePreventionProclamation.jpg, AprilDCPinwheelsforPrevention.jpg, 04082026AprilChildAbusePreventionProclamationCollage.png,

04-08-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Child Abuse Prevention Month (Photo) - 04/08/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2026

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to issue a proclamation in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month during their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.  The proclamation acknowledges that child abuse and neglect are serious issues impacting every part of our community. It highlights that effective prevention efforts are only possible through strong partnerships and collaboration among local health and social service agencies, law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, public and private schools, the medical community, civic and faith-based organizations, the business sector, volunteer groups, and local families.   A copy of the live video from the presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

 

Prior to the meeting, attendees gathered with the Douglas County Commissioners on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse to line the walkways with pinwheels, part of a nationwide tradition during Child Abuse Prevention Month. The annual “planting” of pinwheels raises awareness for children who endure abuse and neglect, while honoring the dedicated professionals and community members who work tirelessly to protect them. Introduced in 2008 by Prevent Child Abuse America through their Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign, the pinwheel has become a national symbol of child abuse prevention, representing the joy, playfulness, and spirit of childhood and reminding us that every child deserves a safe and happy upbringing.  Commissioners encourage community members and local businesses to place pinwheels for prevention in their front yards and storefronts as a visible symbol of hope, awareness, and our shared commitment to protecting children. 

 

Commissioner Kress opened the proclamation presentation thanking the attendees for their commitment to this critical cause and stated, “It is my honor to welcome you today as we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month here in Douglas County.  Our children are our most valuable resource, and their safety, stability, and well-being must always be a top priority. Today’s proclamation is more than words; it is a call to action. It reminds us that preventing child abuse is not the responsibility of one agency or one individual, but of an entire community working together.  When families are supported, when neighbors look out for one another, and when we invest in services that strengthen and protect children, we build a stronger, healthier future for everyone.”

 

Commissioner Chris Boice read the official proclamation, followed by Commissioner Kress recognizing the attending local agencies with “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” proclamation certificates, honoring their unwavering dedication to the children and families of Douglas County.  Representatives from the following agencies attended the Proclamation Presentation today: Marion Pearson, Mercy Foundation - Up2UsNow Coalition; Lisa Platt, Mercy Foundation; Russ Wooley, CHI Mercy Health; Bryanna Paradice, UCAN Healthy Families; Hayley Rush, UCAN Healthy Families; Corene Adair, UCAN Healthy Families; Dalita Lara, UCAN Healthy Families; Brennan Cappa, UCAN Healthy Families; Kat Cooper, Umpqua Health Alliance and Family Development Center; Wendy Lang, Douglas County Juvenile Department; Holly O’Dell, Douglas County Juvenile Department; Lindsey Stanton, ODHA Child Welfare; Jessica Hunter, ODHA Child Welfare; Marlena Potter, Cow Creek Tribal Child Welfare; Skylar Moreland, Cow Creek Child Welfare; Shawn, Hopfer, Aviva Health – Child Advocacy Services; Lauren Haddock, Aviva Health – Child Advocacy Services; Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Chief Gary Klopfenstein, Roseburg Police Department; AC Clough III, Glide Rural Fire Department; Chief Rob Bullock, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue. 

 

Commissioner Kress invited agency representatives to speak about the work their agency does for this monumental effort to help and protect children. The agencies emphasized the far-reaching impact of child abuse in Douglas County and the importance of a strong, multi-disciplinary agency response. Marion Pearson, Violence Prevention Program Manager at Mercy Foundation in partnership with CHI Mercy Health and Up2US Now Coalition, emphasized the power of community partnerships in addressing abuse and exploitation. “Thank you Commissioners for the proclamation today and for recognizing the valuable work being done in our community to prevent child abuse. Mercy and Mercy Foundation for decades has been dedicated to the health and welfare of Douglas County residents.  It is through that work that our dedication to lift-up and support our community members to address these social determinates of health with value-based care and seeing everyone in our community as a whole person – rather than just as a patient or just a victim or a survivor.  I wanted to recognize that we could not do any of this work without you here supporting us and without the people that are in this room today and those who were unable to attend today.”

 

Next, Bryanna Paradice, Program Manager for UCAN’s Healthy Families – Home Visiting Program, addressed those gathered in the gallery. “First, I wanted to thank the Commissioners for holding this proclamation meeting today and bringing us all together to talk about child abuse, neglect and abuse prevention.  It shows a strong commitment to kids and families throughout our county.  For me I like promoting child abuse and neglect prevention month not to spook or scare or shame anyone but rather bring attention to all the wonderful support agencies and services we have available to the folks in our county.  When we can connect parents to concrete resources – making sure their basic needs are met – and that they have access to healthcare and behavioral health care – we see stronger outcomes with those families.”

 

Lindsey Stanton, Program Manager for Oregon Department of Health and Human Services spoke next and stated, “This month reminds us that protecting children is a shared responsibility.  Child welfare goes beyond the work of extending to harm.  We partner with families and support parents in crisis and collaborate with school, law enforcement, and community organizations who are in this room today.  I also want to recognize something critically important.  When Douglas CARES unexpectedly closed their doors, our community faced a potential crisis.  Child advocacy centers are essential for child safety, trauma-informed medical exams and coordinated investigations.  Without this program the impact to our community was immediate and severe.  However, Aviva Health (thank you) stepped in without hesitation.  They mobilized quickly, kept services accessible, and ensured children did not lose that vital support.  We are incredibly fortunate to have Aviva in our community.  Every child we meet we work towards, not just safety, but stability, healing and hope.  We are grateful for continued partnerships and for this support for our communities.”

 

Concluding the discussion, Sheriff John Hanlin with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office spoke about how thankful he is for the cooperative community collaborations we have here in Douglas County, “I want to let everyone know that thanks to the support from the County Commissioners and local City Governments, we have very active Detectives Divisions and when abuse cases come before us each agency handles those cases as a priority, but when you have major cases we have the ability of pooling our resources together and we do that frequently.  The cooperation and collaboration we share with the other law enforcement agencies in Douglas County is unique and we are very fortunate to have that.  I want to sincerely say thank you to all the agencies that help us raise awareness about child abuse and prevention.”  

 

The Commissioners proclaimed April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Douglas County and urge all citizens to join in the important work of preventing child abuse and neglect. By raising awareness and standing together to protect children, we can help ensure brighter, safer futures for all.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 |

Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached.  Individual photos are available upon request. Photo © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County

Attached Media Files: 04-08-26ChildAbusePreventionProclamation.jpg, AprilDCPinwheelsforPrevention.jpg, 04082026AprilChildAbusePreventionProclamationCollage.png,