Reno, Nev. April 9, 2024. More than 1,000, beautiful, blue pinwheels will soon be spinning on the Greater Nevada Field lawn. Several agencies are joining the Reno Aces and Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Washoe County’s children, which is all part of April being National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
In addition to HSA, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County District Attorney’s Office, Northern Nevada Legal Aid, and the Reno Aces invite the community to join us in planting blue pinwheels in front of Greater Nevada Field on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. The pinwheels are a critical, visual component of a national awareness campaign, representing the joyful, carefree childhood every kid deserves.
Who: HSA, Reno Aces, WCSO, NCJFCJ, Northern Nevada Legal Aid, Washoe CASA Foundation, and Washoe County DA’s Office.
What: Planting Pinwheels for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
Where: Greater Nevada Field lawn, located at 250 Evans Ave., Reno.
When: Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Media: Video and interviews available on-site.
Contact: Washoe County HSA Communications Manager Chris Ciarlo at Cciarlo@washoecounty.gov.
HSA received 6,088 reports of suspected child abuse and/or neglect and reunified 219 children with their families during Fiscal Year 2023. Child abuse and/or neglect is defined by Nevada Revised Statute Section 250.508, as “Willfully causing a minor (a child under the age of 18) to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering.” When suspecting child abuse and/or neglect, we ask the community to contact Washoe County HSA Child Protective Services at 833-900-SAFE.
“This is a stunning, visual community outreach campaign, displaying more than 1,000 pinwheels throughout our community. Each big, blue pinwheel is a reminder of a small child in our community, who deserves a life free of abuse or neglect,” said HSA Director Ryan Gustafson. “We invite the community to join us in raising awareness and supporting the youngest of our most vulnerable populations in Washoe County.”
In addition to Greater Nevada Field, hundreds of pinwheels have been planted at the following locations throughout the community:
- Washoe County Human Services Agency.
- Washoe County Administration Complex.
- Washoe County Family Engagement Center.
- District Attorney’s Office (Washoe County Child Advocacy Center).
“Judges are uniquely positioned to facilitate systems reform in dependency court systems,” said Joey Orduña Hastings, CEO of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ). “The NCJFCJ has been partnering with courts across the country and in our northern Nevada community to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children and their families for many years. Child abuse and neglect affect children of every age, race, and income level. Judges are essential catalysts for improving their courts and systems responses to child abuse and neglect. Please share our pinwheels to raise awareness for healthier families and healthier communities.”
Learn more about National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
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About Reno Aces
The Reno Aces are members of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Founded in 2009, the Aces play their home games at Greater Nevada Field, a state-of-the-art stadium located in downtown Reno. Committed to providing top-tier entertainment and fostering community engagement, the club strives to create unforgettable experiences for fans of all ages. For more information about the Reno Aces, please visit www.renoaces.com.
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