Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Today in Helena, state officials commenced activities for Strengthening Families Month. The event was marked by the Pinwheels for Prevention gathering outside the Capitol, hosted by Lt. Governor Kristen Juras, Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) Vice President of External Affairs John Doran.
Throughout April, bright blue pinwheels will adorn the Capitol grounds as part of the month-long activities and the Week of the Young Child from April 2-8. According to Meier, "At DPHHS, we are working with all our various community partners to address this important issue." He expressed pride in efforts across Montana to support children and families.
Meier highlighted recent achievements and new initiatives launched by DPHHS over the past year aimed at improving child welfare systems. During Thursday's event, BCBSMT presented a $10,000 sponsorship to the Montana Children’s Trust Fund (MTCTF) to aid in raising awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect statewide.
Pinwheels symbolize a happy childhood environment, representing efforts for children's healthy development nationwide. MTCTF encourages organizations in Montana to engage by planting pinwheels in their communities.
The Go Blue Challenge invites Montanans to participate from home by wearing blue throughout April and sharing photos on social media. Participating communities include Anaconda, Billings, Butte, Deer Lodge, Dillon, East Helena, Glendive, Great Falls, Havre, Hamilton, Hardin, Helena, Kalispell, Lewistown, Libby, Miles City, Missoula, Red Lodge, and Superior.
This year marks the eighth consecutive year that Blue Cross Blue Shield has sponsored Strengthening Families Month alongside MTCTF.
DPHHS Director Adam Meier addressed attendees during Thursday's Pinwheels for Prevention event in Helena.
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