Pinwheels for Prevention
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month when we raise awareness and take steps to protect the well-being of children and families. Each year, NRV CARES leads the local Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, encouraging our community, organizations, and schools to plant pinwheel gardens as a symbol of the importance of safe, healthy childhoods. These gardens serve as a reminder that preventing child abuse and neglect is a shared community responsibility and that strong families and supportive environments help children succeed.
The New River Valley Recovery Ecosystem recognizes that prevention is key to healthy communities. Adverse childhood events (ACEs) are closely linked to long-term health outcomes, including mental health challenges and substance use disorders (1). Efforts that strengthen families, support positive childhood experiences, and raise awareness about prevention play an important role in reducing these risks (2). By displaying the Pinwheels for Prevention for each of our 46 schools and School Board Offices in the NRV, we show our commitment to addressing the root causes that can lead to addiction and other health challenges later in life.
This show of support helps create a visible, unified message that the New River Valley values prevention, resilience, and the well-being of our kids. Schools are central hubs in our communities and are pivotal in supporting youth, families, and early prevention efforts (3). These efforts reflect the regional aim of building a community where children grow up safe, supported, and connected. Thank you Floyd, Montgomery, Giles, and Pulaski Counties, and City of Radford schools for participating in the effort!
Tag your photos of pinwheels in the NRV: #NRVPinwheels
References
Broekhof, R., Nordahl, H. M., Tanum, L., & Selvik, S. G. (2023). Adverse childhood experiences and their association with substance use disorders in adulthood: A general population study (Young-HUNT). Addictive behaviors reports, 17, 100488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100488
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.(2026, March). About Adverse Childhood Experiences. https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html#:~:text=Toxic%20stress%20(extended%20or%20prolonged,15
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December). Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health-action-guide/about/index.html#:~:text=Why%20schools,all%20connected%20to%20academic%20success.