Let’s ‘Go Blue’! Shining a Light on Child Abuse Prevention in Lubbock This April

April means a lot of things in Lubbock—spring flowers, warmer weather, and yes, a whole lot of blue. That’s because April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Go Blue Lubbock County campaign is once again challenging our community to raise awareness, wear blue, and speak up for our kids.

It marks the beginning of a month-long effort to draw attention to child abuse and neglect in Lubbock County—a region where the numbers are sadly consistently higher than the state average.

In 2024, the child abuse rate in Lubbock County was 9.87 per 1,000 children, compared to the Texas average of 6.83. Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 local children have been confirmed victims of abuse or neglect—and 22 have died.

This year’s campaign theme is “How Are the Children?” It’s a simple but powerful question that forces us to take a hard look at how our most vulnerable young neighbors are doing—and what more we can do to protect them.

Throughout April, the South Plains Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention, along with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock County Commissioner’s Court, and Lubbock City Council, will promote awareness through various events. That includes the 12th Annual Child Abuse Conference, hosted by Covenant Children’s Hospital, set for Thursday, April 26th.

At the April 2nd kickoff, the Cherish the Children Award was presented to the Children’s Advocacy Center of the South Plains, recognizing their invaluable work improving child safety and support systems across the region.

Residents are encouraged to wear blue throughout April to honor victims and show support for prevention efforts. The color blue and the iconic blue ribbon have symbolized child abuse awareness since 1989, when a Virginia grandmother tied a ribbon to her car antenna in memory of her grandson who died from abuse.

So if you see folks around town proudly sporting blue this month, now you’ll know why! And if you haven’t already, grab something blue, tell someone why you’re wearing it—and be part of the conversation that could save a child’s life!

More info at: LubbockChamber.com or spccap.org.