On Friday, April 4, the community is invited to wear blue to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month. Orange County Social Services staff will have blue pinwheels on display throughout the month to represent the bright future that every child deserves.
"Our goal is to make sure that all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities," said Orange County Social Services Director, Lindsey Shewmaker. "That’s why our caring staff work every day to protect children from abuse and improve parent education.”
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners signed a proclamation at their March 18, 2025, meeting to call upon all residents to join together to prevent child abuse.
Prevention is Key to Safe Childhoods
Education is the first step to identifying and preventing child abuse. During the month of April Social Services staff will bring awareness to child abuse prevention and child safety by focusing on three live saving topics:
- Safe sleep for infants
- Safe gun storage
- Safe medication storage
How to Show Support
Wear blue on Friday, April 4 – Wear Blue Day – to show support for children and families. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2025 and #IamPrevention hashtags.
Learn about prevention – Social Services staff have compiled educational materials in English and Spanish that will help families follow best practices for safe sleep for infants, know how to safely store their firearms, and to keep medication out of reach to children. Visit and share resources at www.orangecountync.gov/Pinwheels
Attend the Orange County Sportsplex Family Fun Day on Saturday April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Social services staff will be at the Orange County Sportsplex Family Fun Day at 101 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough. Staff will pass out pinwheels and give information about safe sleep for infants, safe gun storge, and safe mediation storage. The event will include free swimming and ice skating, bounce houses, balloon animals, facility tours, face painting, games and more.
Dispose of expired or unwanted medication on Monday, April 7 from 9 to 12 p.m. or Tuesday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Orange County Department on Aging is hosting a Shred-a-thon and Medication takeback event this spring. Local law enforcement will be on site to safely dispose of expired or unwanted medications and tips to help keep your personal information safe. The April 7 event will be at the Seymour Center at 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill and the April 8 event will be at the Passmore Center at 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough.
For more ways to get involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/Pinwheels
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For Media Inquiries:
Kristin Prelipp, Public Information Officer
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov
(office) 919.245.2322