Community-parenting workshop educates local families on healthy living
Lacey Klotz |
On Friday, July 22, Lipscomb University’s School of Nursing, along with Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, provided a carnival-themed educational workshop for local families to raise awareness regarding healthy living.
Nearly 150 community members ranging from newborns to grandparents attended the educational event located in Lipscomb’s Student Activities Center. 
While children played on inflatables, had their faces painted and received balloon animals; faculty, staff and students from the School of Nursing, Department of Nutrition and Kinesiology, College of Pharmacy and Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee staff members led families through educational sessions regarding healthy living strategies, child safety, medication safety, pre/post consumption, nutrition and more.
The Metro Sherriff’s Department also attended the event and brought vision impairment goggles to increase awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.
“Providing families with necessary parenting tools and support enables them to create a safe nurturing environment for their children to thrive,” said Roletha Pillow, assistant professor in the School of Nursing at Lipscomb. “Having good mental, physical and spiritual health is essential for a successful life, and because of that, we are committed to our community and grateful for a ministry that allows us the opportunity to live out the principles of serving.”
Trevor Crowder, regional program manager for Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, says the mission of PCAT is to prevent the abuse of Tennessee children, and through initiatives such as educational workshops and in-home visitation/parent coaching programs; PCAT is able to promote healthy parent-child bonding and attachment which is a protective factor against child maltreatment. 
“The main goal of our community-parenting workshop is to expose families to education and resources in the community,” said Crowder. “We realize that some families may not have access to these resources, so we host at least four workshops a year to encourage families to engage in a healthy, fun, and family friendly educational activity.”
Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee is a nonprofit organization that works with parents, professionals and communities to provide education, resources and services that strengthen families across all 95 counties in Tennessee. Its community-based programs have been educating the public about the prevalence of child abuse and their role in child abuse prevention for 30 years.
PCAT receives annual funding from the Tennessee Department of Health to help cover the workshops and resources needed to help the families attending.
“We are thankful for our partnership with Prevent Child Abuse of Tennessee,” said Pillow. “Together we are making a difference in the lives of community members. The ultimate goal is preventing illness and promoting healthy outcomes.
“This event allowed Lipscomb students to demonstrate knowledge learned in the classroom. Interdisciplinary collaboration key in creating a healthy community.”