This year, advocates said they are worried that parts of the state’s proposed budget could scale back prevention programs across Vermont—programs that include things like parent education, home visits, and early childhood support. They’re pushing to restore that funding, as the House Appropriations Committee restored the cuts in the state’s budget as one-time investments.
Lewis First, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital at UVM Health, commented on this year’s theme, “Pinwheels of Possibility” to symbolize a safe and happy childhood. “The pinwheels represent playfulness. What we want every child to face life with the strength, the resiliency, and the chances that this is going to be great … When people see pinwheels, we need to make sure that every child’s life is one that has lots of playfulness and wistfulness and is one of happiness.”
The Child Safe Program gathered recently to plant pinwheels at the UVM Medical Center, kicking off a month focused on prevention and early support.
Stephen Leffler, M.D.’90, president and chief operating officer of the UVM Medical Center and CEO of UVM Health, said, “We want to empower everyone to get involved. Educate yourselves and your loved ones, and to take on an active role. You can hear about this month to help prevent and identify the early signs of child abuse.”