Coconino County issues proclamations for April observances; no public comments at meeting

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on March 24 unanimously approved three proclamations recognizing April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Fair Housing Month.

Chair Patrice Horseman opened the session and introduced the proclamations. Gary Howell of the Exchange Club of Flagstaff read the child abuse proclamation and described local remembrance events including a flag display and a 132-bell ringing ceremony. The board applauded the Exchange Club’s outreach and the visibility the events bring to prevention work.

At the meeting, Jen Rangi, executive director of Victim Witness Services, said Northern Arizona Healthcare now provides space and financial support for the county’s medical forensic exam program after the previous provider notified partners that it could no longer sustain the service. “Because of this partnership victims do not have to travel over two hours to receive a forensic exam,” Rangi said, describing coordination with forensic nurses and law enforcement to keep care local.

Andrea Mary (transcript: Mary Hugh), health and human services division manager, read the fair housing proclamation, which cites the Fair Housing Amendments Act and urges residents to reflect on housing equity and nondiscrimination.

All three proclamations passed by unanimous voice votes. Clerk Lindseay Dailyaly confirmed there were no public-comment cards or emails submitted for this meeting’s call to the public.

The board proceeded to other agenda items and photos with proclamation sponsors.

Next steps: organizers said event dates and details for awareness activities will be posted on county channels and partner social pages.