Strengthening Families Month Child Abuse Prevention Awareness

MT Dept of Public Health News

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected April 6th, 2026

Summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced the kickoff of Strengthening Families Month in April 2026, a statewide child abuse prevention awareness initiative. The Montana Children's Trust Fund will distribute over 12,000 blue pinwheels statewide, with over 71 organizations planning events including pinwheel plantings, family carnivals, and educational workshops. A kickoff event is scheduled for April 3 at Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena.

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What changed

DPHHS announced the annual Strengthening Families Month initiative for April 2026, promoting child safety and abuse prevention awareness across Montana. The Montana Children's Trust Fund, a Governor-appointed board within DPHHS, is distributing 12,000 blue pinwheels—the national symbol for child abuse prevention—to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and local health departments statewide.

This is an informational announcement with no compliance requirements or regulatory obligations for any parties. Organizations wishing to participate can visit the DPHHS Prevention Month website or contact the Montana Children's Trust Fund directly to obtain pinwheels or locate local events. The initiative highlights community support resources for families rather than imposing new legal requirements.

Source document (simplified)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 31 2026

Contact:
Jon Ebelt, Communications Director,
DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov

Blue Pinwheels Bloom Across Montana for Strengthening Families Month

HELENA, MT — April marks Strengthening Families Month, a statewide initiative dedicated to promoting child safety and highlighting the vital role of abuse prevention in Montana.

To kick off the month, hundreds of blue pinwheels—the national symbol for child abuse prevention—will be displayed in Helena and across Montana as a visual reminder that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and happy upbringing.

Officials with the Montana Children’s Trust Fund (CTF), of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), will join Blue Cross Blue Shield for a community event at Shodair Children’s Hospital on April 3 at 1 p.m.

“Parenting isn’t easy, but we want Montanans to know they aren’t alone,” says MacKenzie Forbis of the Montana Children’s Trust Fund. “Strong communities support strong families, and there is no shame in reaching out for help. We all need it from time to time.”

The CTF is leading the charge by distributing over 12,000 pinwheels to schools, libraries, non-profits, and local public health departments. More than 71 organizations across Montana have planned events throughout April, including community pinwheel plantings, family carnivals, local scavenger hunts, and educational workshops.

“It's fitting for us to host the pinwheel planting kick-off as Shodair Children's Hospital has served as a safe place for children and families across Montana for 130 years,” Shodair CEO Craig Aasved said. “ We are always looking for ways to have community engagement on our campus, and look forward to seeing blue pinwheels throughout the month.”

To find local events or learn how to support prevention strategies, visit the DPHHS Prevention Month website.

About the Montana Children’s Trust Fund

The CTF works to end child abuse and neglect by providing education on child development and funding evidence-based prevention programs. Last year alone, CTF grants supported six organizations that served over 3,000 parents and 3,000 children statewide. The fund is overseen by a seven-member, Governor-appointed board of child protection professionals.

Who: DPHHS Children’s Trust Fund and Shodair Children’s Hospital officials, Helena community leaders, partner organizations, and volunteers will gather to plant pinwheels.

What: Strengthening Families Month Kick-off Pinwheel Planting event

When: Friday, April 3, 1 p.m.

Where: Shodair Children’s Hospital at 2755 Colonial Drive