The Christiansburg Town Council recently passed and Mayor Mike Barber has signed three proclamations. One proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in town, the second proclaims April 6-12 as National Public Health Week in town, and the third official document proclaims April 12-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Christiansburg.
The child abuse proclamation reads:
“WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect is a community goal that depends on involvement among people throughout the community; and,
WHEREAS, child maltreatment can occur when people find themselves in stressful situations, without community resources, and without the ability to cope; and,
WHEREAS, the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community; and,
WHEREAS, all citizens should become involved in supporting families in raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment; and,
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among families, social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, D. Michael Barber, Mayor of the Town of Christiansburg, Virginia, do hereby proclaim the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and do call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in community efforts to support families, thereby prevention child abuse and neglect, and strengthening the community in which we live.”
The mayor signed and sealed the proclamation on March 31.
The proclamation proclaiming national public health week reads:
“WHEREAS, the week of April 6-12, 2020, is National Public Health Week, and the theme is NPHW@25: Looking Back, Moving Forward; and
WHEREAS, the New River Health District is committed to protecting all citizens in the New River Valley at all times, preventing disease, and promoting health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, the New River Health District works to prevent deaths from chronic disease by encouraging citizens to make healthy lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight, being active, not smoking and adhering to recommended screening tests; and
WHEREAS, protecting the public through vaccinations has been one of the greatest accomplishments in public health in order to prevent disease; and
WHEREAS, promoting a healthy environment through disease investigation, restaurant inspections, water testing, citizens preparedness for disasters and emergencies, identifying and controlling communicable diseases, preventing injuries, preventing drug use and abuse are a few instances of how public health works to ensure the public is protected; and
WHEREAS, having a strong public health system is vital in order to fulfill the goal of creating a healthy Town of Christiansburg that will be seen as a critical part of creating the Healthiest State in the Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, D. Michael Barber, Mayor of the Town of Christiansburg, do hereby proclaim April 6-12, 2020, as National Public Health Week and encourage all citizens to lead a healthier life by making better choices in what they eat, how they live and what they do each and every day.”
The mayor also signed and sealed the proclamation on March 31.
The public safety telecommunications proclamation reads:
“WHEREAS, emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire or emergency medical services; and,
“WHEREAS, when an emergency occurs the prompt response of police officers, firefighters and paramedics is essential to the protection of lie and preservation of property; and,
WHEREAS, the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority; and,
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; and,
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the single vital link for our police officers and firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety; and,
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators of the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority have contributed to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients; and,
WHEREAS, dispatchers have exhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their jobs in the past year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, D. Michael Barber, Mayor of the Town of Christiansburg, on behalf of and with the support of the Christiansburg Town Council, do hereby declare the week of April 12 through April 18, 2020, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the Town of Christiansburg, Virginia, in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our town and citizens safe.”
The mayor likewise signed and sealed this proclamation on March 31.