BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Blue is the color of the day on April 6, Friday. North Dakotans are encouraged to participate in Wear Blue Day 2018 as a way to show support for child abuse and neglect prevention awareness.

Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota (PCAND) Executive Director Sandra Tibke said, “Wear Blue Day is a great way to show that our communities are united against child abuse. Only by working together can we make a lasting difference in the lives of children who need us the most.”

People can get involved in Wear Blue Day by:

·Wear blue on April 6 and tell people you are participating in a national day to highlight child abuse prevention.

·Take a picture of yourself and your colleagues dressed in blue and share it on your favorite media platform using the #wearbluedaynd and/or #greatchildhoods. Follow PCAND on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see photographs and news about child abuse prevention events from around the state.

·Share a story of how you help mentor for children, advocate for policies that keep kids safe, or donate time and money to a child serving organization.

“Every year we build on past success with the goal of providing happy, safe childhoods for all our children,” said Tibke. “Unfortunately, abuse and neglect is still happening; that’s why prevention awareness is critical.”

Recent data from the North Dakota Department of Human Services shows the importance of child abuse and neglect prevention awareness. In 2016, there were 14,331 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect in North Dakota, resulting in 1,805 children confirmed as victims.