Community partners helped make 2nd Annual Superhero Day a success

On Saturday, March 31st, Whitley County Health Department hosted its second annual Superhero Day at Patriot Park on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg. About a thousand people braved icy winds to come together to support children and families in our community. There were egg hunts, food, games, first responders, prizes, resources and fun made possible by many community partners who donated time, funds, and activities to make this a completely free event for our community.

The root of Superhero Day is Child Abuse Prevention Month, which occurs every April. There are lots of things that put children at risk for abuse. However, there are many more protective factors that can keep them safe. Superhero Day is about demonstrating, supporting, and sharing some of those protective factors. The day is about reminding all of us we are superheroes for the children in our community and they need us.

Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky identifies some ways communities can prevent child abuse by supporting healthy children who can grow up to build strong communities. Superhero Day highlights each of these:

• Support local law enforcement, child protective workers and educators who are working daily to strengthen families and keep children safe.

• Offer educational programs on parenting, job skills and child development.

• Offer after-school activities, counseling and activities for children.

• Be supportive of prevention programs in our community.

• Distribute prevention information and materials throughout the community.

• Support nonprofit youth-serving organizations in our community.

• Donate resources to families in need.

• Educate youth about personal safety and prevention strategies.

• Share resources like the hotline to call if you suspect child abuse is 1-877-597-2331 or the website www.pcaky.org to find more information or support.

As mentioned, Superhero Day could not happen without the support of the community. We would like to thank these superheroes:

Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, Baptist Health Corbin, Baptist Health Behavioral Health, Bell-Whitley CAA, Bolton’s Towing, Brenda Lee’s Balloons, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Christ Is Faith Ministry, City of Williamsburg, Cumberland River Victims Services, Cupcakes Travel Company, Dayspring Health, Department for Community-Based Services, Eldorado Restaurant, Firestone, Friendship Center, Full-Service Community Schools Whitley County, Girl Scouts of KY’s Wilderness Road, Hodge’s Barber Shop, Horizon Health KY, Hot Pink Boutique, Intrust Healthcare, JimBo’s Appliances, Jones’ Pit Stop, KYNECT, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, Necco Foster Care, Nurture Nest Counseling, Operation UNITE, Partners for Rural Impact, Rickett’s Pharmacy, Save the Children, Sabor Latino Mexican Restaurant, Sullivan’s Towing, The Creek Church, Therapeutic Solutions, United Way of the Bluegrass 211, University of the Cumberlands, Walmart Williamsburg, WellCare of Kentucky, Whitley County Adult Education, Whitley County Cooperative Extension, Whitley County Dispatch/Emergency Management, Whitley County Emergency Medical Services, Whitley County Family Resource/Youth Services Centers, Whitley County High School Boys’ Basketball Team, Whitley County Housing Authority, Whitley County Public Library, Whitley County Fiscal Court/Road Crew, Williamsburg Fire Department, Williamsburg Police Department, Williamsburg Tourism and Winds of Change.

That is right–over 50 partners helped make Superhero Day a success for our community! There were hundreds of people representing these organizations who worked hard alongside the ragtag team from the Whitley County Health Department to make the day a great one for children and families. We cannot wait until next year!