Wearing blue for a reason

SANDUSKY — Here's the primary reason why so many Erie County officials all wore blue on a Wednesday. Wear Blue Day, a statewide awareness campaign, takes place on the second Wednesday of each year in April, coinciding with Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year, it took place on April 8. In a sign of solidarity, Ohioans are encouraged to wear blue to show support for preventing child abuse and neglect. "On this day, local businesses, offices, schools, agencies, factories, retail outlets and media partners are asked to wear blue to show unity against child abuse and neglect," according to a statement from Erie County children services, a department within Erie County Job and Family Services, which oversees local child abuse efforts. AJ Lill — who serves as executive director at Erie County Job and Family Services, which supervises children services and neglect cases — added some additional context. "During Child Abuse Prevention Month, the annual statewide Wear Blue Day brings communities together in a dedicated effort to prevent child abuse," he said. "It fosters meaningful dialogue, heightens public awareness and inspires to ensure the safety and well-being of every child," Lill added. "Seeing the influx of wear blue photos from our community highlights just how special Erie County is." People can contact the area's child abuse hotline 24/7 at 419-626-KIDS (5437) to make a report of abuse/neglect. They can also visit eriecountychildrenservices.org to learn more information on what they can do to make the community safer for children.