Stevens County Commissioners Issue Proclamations Ahead of New Month

Child Abuse Prevention Month: the commissioners announced that Child Abuse Prevention Month is intended to draw attention to the fact that child abuse is “widespread and has strong implications for every community member of Stevens County.” In the proclamation, commissioners said, “We believe that the children of our community are to be valued as the future of our community and we should prioritize their safety.” According to the proclamation,  nearly 700,000 children are abused each year in the United States, and that locally reporting of these abuses decreased, while the severity of emergency department visits related to child abuse and neglect increased. The proclamation also stated that Rural Resources Victim Services encourages every person to speak out when witnessing acts of violence and that child abuse prevention is “a community responsibility and finding solutions depends on involvement among all people.” Commissioners also stated that, “We must work together to educate our community about what can be done to prevent child abuse and how to support survivors and their families.”

National County Government Month: the commissioners emphasized the importance of local county governments in their National County Government Month proclamation, stating that they provide “essential services to create healthy, safe, and vibrant communities” as well as provide “public health services, justice, economic opportunities and much more.” According to the proclamation, “Stevens County and all counties take pride in our responsibility to protect and enhance the health, welfare and safety of our residents in efficient and cost-effective ways.” 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Commissioners said that Sexual Assault Awareness Month is intended to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The proclamation stated that “Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual harassment, assault, and abuse are widespread and impact every

person in this community.” Commissioners also mentioned Rural Resources Victim Services and encouraged every person to speak out when witnessing acts of violence. “With leadership, dedication, and encouragement, there is compelling evidence that we can be successful in reducing sexual violence in Stevens County through prevention education, increased awareness, and holding perpetrators who commit acts of violence responsible for their actions,” the proclamation said. 

National Volunteer Week: Commissioners announced that communities across the country rely on volunteer firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers, rescue workers, coaches, teaching assistants, and other endeavors for the benefit of others. As a result, they proclaimed April 19-25 to be National Volunteer Week. “We urge every resident to volunteer-whether it be on a board, commission, schools, scouting programs, 4-H, the Fair, rescue work, firefighting, EMS, or other programs,” the commissioners said in the proclamation. 

They also said that Stevens County is “blessed with people who tackle society's greatest challenges, who build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world.” The Board of the Stevens County Commissioners thanked the volunteers who serve in the county in the proclamation as well.