Blue Ribbon Campaign raises awareness

The Blue Ribbon Campaign, started in 1989 as a grandmother’s tribute to her grandson, who had died as the result of child abuse, came to downtown Hood River on April 4. With help from Boy Scout Troop 282, trees along Oak Street were lined with blue ribbons to raise awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which has taken place each April since 1983. Buckets of ribbons were also delivered to local businesses by the Vineyard Church youth group, Hawks Ridge Assisted Living and community member/grandmother Mary Hubbard.

Debi Baskins, Director of Columbia Gorge Children’s Advocacy Center, encourages all community members to pick up a ribbon and wear it this month to show support for victims of child abuse and to raise awareness.