Go Blue Lubbock, a community-wide project to promote child abuse awareness and prevention kicked off with more than 75 people in attendance at the United Way office at 8:30 AM on Friday, March 31. Last year 1,033 children in Lubbock County were confirmed victims of abuse and neglect. The majority of victims were under the age of 3.
Blue ribbons were handed out at the event, which was co-sponsored by the South Plains Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention (SPCCAP), Lubbock Area United Way, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and ABC Pro Rodeo. Ribbons will also be handed out for Go Blue Night at the rodeo this evening.
A “Cherish the Children” award was presented to Dr. Patti Patterson, professor of pediatrics and director of child abuse pediatrics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Award nominees Carolyn Simpson with Lubbock Area United Way, Robin MacEwen with the Office of State Representative John Frullo, and Katherine Wells and her team with the City of Lubbock Health Department were also recognized.
This award is presented annually by the SPCCAP in recognition of local individuals who go above and beyond in their work and advocacy efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. Previous honorees have included Texas Tech University Chancellor Robert Duncan, State Senator Charles Perry and State Representative John Frullo, and Lubbock Criminal District Attorney Matt Powell.
Go Blue Lubbock began in 2013 as a project of the SPCCAP. The coalition aims to prevent the abuse and neglect of children in the Lubbock community through collaboration, education, and advocacy. Membership is comprised of nonprofits, law enforcement, health care professionals, state agencies, and many more.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and the vision of the coalition was to have people in Lubbock wear blue on the first weekend in April to show awareness and support. More than 16,000 people participated the first year. This year the goal is to have more than 75,000 participants.
For more information on the many events happening during Child Abuse Awareness Month click here.