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Kechi proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month; local nonprofit outlines prevention activities
Summary
Kechi Mayor Joni Harris read a proclamation declaring April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month; Rachel Harper of Kansas Children’s Service League described outreach, a statewide theme and local actions including gun-lock distribution and a "wear blue" day.
Mayor Joni Harris read a proclamation at the April 9 Kechi City Council meeting declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and noted the Kechi water tower will be lit blue for the month.
Rachel Harper, assistant director of Prevent Child Abuse Kansas at the Kansas Children’s Service League, told the council that the national theme — “Pinwheels of Possibility” — highlights community networks and programs that help families thrive. "The spinning pinwheel shows us what support can look like when families are in the center," Harper said, describing the symbol and statewide coordination.
Harper summarized local prevention work, including partnerships with the Wichita Police Department, Central County Sheriff’s Department and Wesley Hospital, and said the coalition distributed roughly 150 gun locks as part of recent outreach. She also described a business-focused event that drew 120 attendees from more than 60 businesses to explore childcare supports and workforce connections.
Harper encouraged community participation in awareness actions: planting a pinwheel garden, wearing blue on the designated day and sharing social media posts tagged to the campaign. Mayor Harris and the council accepted the presentation and the proclamation will be filed in the meeting record.
