Pinwheels placed to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, staff from Geisinger’s Division of Child Protection and Advocacy planted blue pinwheels at the entrance of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

The pinwheels represent playfulness, joy and a carefree childhood and serve as a reminder to protect and nurture our children. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign for child abuse prevention.

The CAC team once again wore special T-shirts to commemorate the awareness month. The shirts were created by Chelsea Whispell, the daughter of Trisha Whispell, social work educator for the division. For the second year in a row, Chelsea created and is selling T-shirts to raise funds for the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA).

PFSA works with local community organizations around child abuse prevention efforts and has partnered with local schools and organizations on a statewide art project called Painting for Prevention. Artwork is displayed in many community organizations all month long, including Geisinger pediatric and family practice clinics.

Staff who took part in the pinwheel planting include Dayna DeSalve, MD, pediatric resident; Jayme Hile, LPN, nurse navigator; Paul Bellino, M.D., chief Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Hailey Welker, forensic interviewer; Alexis Smith, CAC program manager with Ollie, CAC’s certified therapy dog; Chelsea Whispell, volunteer; Cameran Gardner, victim advocate; Melissa Wagner, Director Child Protection and Advocacy; Marita Lind, MD, Director CAC; and Trisha Whispell, social worker educator.