Ohio AAP Supports Ohio Children's Trust Fund #EverydayOhioHeroes Campaign and Encourages Ohioans to Perform Small Acts to Help Prevent Child Abuse

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) works to protect children of all ages and keep our communities safe and strong by ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources to care for their children as they move from infancy through adolescence. In support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Ohio AAP is joining the Ohio Children's Trust Fund (OCTF) in reminding community members that they can be #EverydayOhioHeroes in preventing child abuse.

"Adverse childhood experiences, such as child abuse and neglect, have the potential to negatively impact a child's mental and physical health across the course of a life-span," said Lindsay Williams, Executive Director of the OCTF. "Research has suggested that these negative impacts may be substantially reduced for individuals who have at least one trusted adult supporter, a hero so to speak, during their childhood."

This month, the Ohio AAP and OCTF are asking all Ohioans to join us in raising awareness of the importance of child abuse and child neglect prevention, and reminding everyone that we can all "Be a hero in the eyes of a child – one simple act of encouragement at a time." The Ohio AAP has begun engaging healthcare professionals in this campaign through a series of regional trainings, supported by the OCTF. These trainings have reached more than 200 Ohio providers in 2019 and provide education on recognizing and addressing family stresses.

"Social connections and supports play a critical role in easing the stress of parenting," said Melissa Wervey Arnold, CEO of Ohio AAP. "Whether you know a new mom who is exhausted by caring for an infant who isn't sleeping at night, or the parent of a teen who is struggling to find his or her way, by making connections and offering support you absolutely can make a difference for that family and be a hero in the community you live in."

For additional information and resources about child abuse prevention programs, visit www.ohioaap.org or octf.ohio.gov. To report suspected child abuse or neglect 24/7 in Ohio, call 1-855-OH-CHILD; the number is toll-free, and reports can be made anonymously. 

The Ohio AAP promotes the health, safety and well-being of children and adolescents so they may reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.ohioaap.org.

The Ohio Children's Trust Fund is the state's sole public funding source dedicated to preventing abuse and neglect. Housed within the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Children's Trust Fund works with its partners in every county to serve all Ohio communities.

SOURCE Ohio AAP

Related Links

http://www.ohioaap.org