North Central PA Times

In Danville, Pennsylvania, blue mylar pinwheels are on display at the entrance of Geisinger Medical Center. This initiative, led by staff members from the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Sunbury, is part of efforts for Child Abuse Prevention Month. The pinwheels symbolize a vision of playfulness and joy, reminding the community about the importance of safeguarding children's well-being.

The pinwheels are part of the national "Pinwheels for Prevention" campaign, aiming to heighten awareness around child neglect and abuse. This year, the CAC team has donned specially designed T-shirts in observance of the awareness month, a concept pioneered by Chelsea Whispell, the daughter of CAC's social work educator, Trisha Whispell. The initiative aims to help Chelsea raise funds for the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA). Chelsea is working toward her Girl Scout Cadettes Award by setting a fundraising goal of $1,000 for PFSA, which she hopes to meet through the sale of 200 T-shirts.

PFSA collaborates with community organizations on projects like Painting for Prevention, which showcases artwork in community settings, including Geisinger clinics, throughout the month.

Participants in the pinwheel planting included Paul Bellino, M.D., Cameran Gardner, Alaina Johnson, Hailey Welker, Alexis Smith with therapy dog Ollie, Chelsea Whispell, Melissa Wagner, Cheryl Moroz, and Trisha Whispell.

Geisinger, a leader in value-based care, serves over a million people in Pennsylvania and includes a network of hospitals, a health plan, and a college of health sciences. The organization, established in 1915, has a considerable presence and impact in the state and recently became the first member of Risant Health to further its mission of expanding value-based care nationwide.