North Central PA Times

For the second consecutive year, Geisinger collaborates with the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) and local community organizations to promote child abuse prevention through a statewide art initiative in Danville, Pennsylvania.

April, recognized as Child Abuse Prevention month, will feature canvases painted by children on display in community locations and Geisinger clinics. These canvases were provided to children through community organizations, including the Nurse-Family Partnership, Susquehanna Valley United Way, Columbia County Family Center, and the Geisinger Child Advocacy Center, as part of the Painting for Prevention project. This project seeks to unite and strengthen communities around the goal of preventing child abuse and neglect.

The artwork design includes a keystone outline with a kite bearing a blue ribbon, a national symbol for child abuse prevention. Schools in Danville, Millville, Shikellamy, and Southern Columbia received cardstock versions of the design for students to color and display.

The project includes two community events: a session at the Degenstein Library on April 12, with opportunities for children to create paintings and listen to Dr. Pat Bruno, a Geisinger pediatric physician. Another event at the Bloom Renaissance Street Fair on April 26 in Bloomsburg will feature activities like face painting and distributing educational materials.

Additionally, children's artwork is displayed at several Geisinger clinics, including those in Woodbine, Bloomsburg, Lewisburg, Lewistown, and Kulpmont.

To participate or learn more about PFSA projects, visit pafsa.org.

Geisinger, a non-profit healthcare system founded in 1915, serves over 1.2 million people across Pennsylvania. The organization comprises 134 care sites, including 10 hospital campuses, and has a significant economic impact on Pennsylvania. Geisinger is a key member of Risant Health as of March 31, 2024. More information can be found at geisinger.org.