Morrison County proclaims June 2025 Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month

The Morrison County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation declaring June 2025 as Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month after Health and Human Services staff told the board that 335 reports involving elderly or disabled residents were made in 2024.

"This is one of those responsibilities that we have as leaders of the county to make sure that within our county we're doing everything we can to protect those individuals in our county who are vulnerable," Commissioner Blaine said during the discussion.

Health and Human Services staff explained that many adult-protection cases the agency investigates involve self-neglect and financial exploitation and that abuse is widely underreported because victims are often ashamed or afraid to report it. The proclamation text the board approved urged citizens to work together to reduce abuse and neglect of adults who are elderly or have disabilities.

Commissioner Blaine moved to approve the proclamation; Commissioner David Moran seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote with aye recorded and the chair declaring the motion carried.

Staff members from Health and Human Services who attended included Sarah Gilson, Tina Tizon and Rebecca Bowman, identified in the meeting as members of the Adult Protection Screening Team. Commissioners thanked staff for the work of investigating reports and assisting vulnerable residents.

The proclamation asks residents and local organizations to increase awareness and to support reporting and prevention efforts; board members noted the count of 335 reports in 2024 and said the figure likely understates the true scope of abuse.