BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in a ceremony Tuesday at the government center in Inez.

Joined by Martin County Attorney Melissa Phelps and representatives from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Lafferty stated child abuse is one of the nation’s most serious public health problems.

The judge, a longtime medical doctor in Inez, referenced scientific studies that link child abuse to a spectrum of adverse health outcomes, including medical, emotional, psychological and behavioral disorders.

“Child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure each family has the support they need to raise their children in a healthy environment,” Lafferty stated.

“Effective prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among state and local government agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement and the business community. I encourage all citizens to increase their participation in our efforts to prevent child abuse and to strengthen our communities.”

CHFS officials Joyce Mills, Danna Hinkle and Debbie Blevins joined in solidarity with the cause.