SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council passed three resolutions yesterday declaring April to be Autism Acceptance Month, Minority Health Month, and Child Abuse Prevention Month in Summit County.
Autism Acceptance Month celebrates the over 5.4 million people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States. ASD is caused by differences in the brain expressed in a variety of ways, such as differences in movement, speech, social interaction, and sensory processing. Throughout April, residents are encouraged to connect with loved ones and neighbors with ASD and to learn from and listen to autistic people as we build a more inclusive community. To learn more, visit the Autism Society of Greater Akron or the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month which reaffirms Summit County’s commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect. Summit County Children Services (SCCS) continues to field nearly 10,000 calls per year to the 24-Hour Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline. SCCS works every day to serve and protect children and families. Residents are asked to Wear Blue on April 10, 2024 to raise awareness about this important issue. If you or a loved one is concerned that a child is facing abuse or neglect in Summit County, call 330-434-KIDS (5437).
Minority Health Month also takes place in April, and Summit County Public Health (SCPH) is on the frontlines of connecting minority communities to the information, resources, and services they need. SCPH is planning two health and wellness fairs: the first will be Saturday, April 13 at the Akron Children’s Museum from 11:00am-1:00pm and the second will be Wednesday, April 24 at the METRO Transit Center. Residents are invited to attend, access resources, and participate in fun activities. SCPH’s Office of Minority Health provides year-round health data and technical support to agencies serving the minority population in Summit County.
“Healthy and happy residents make for a thriving community,” said Executive Shapiro, “I am proud to work alongside many incredible partners to ensure that our ASD community, children and minority communities have the resources they need to live, work, and play in Summit County.”
