CRESTVIEW — Throughout April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, organizations and businesses are hosting events to protect our most vulnerable residents.

FamiliesFirst Network has created a coalition of child-friendly organizations to promote awareness about child abuse and prevention. These groups arrange events under the From Blue to Better campaign to help raise awareness for child abuse prevention.

In addition, the Department of Children and Families is participating in a national movement to change the way people think about child abuse prevention by focusing on healthy child development.

Stimulating and nurturing environments improve a child’s cognitive, psychological, behavioral and physical well being, while neglectful or abusive experiences depress mental and physical growth, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway’s 2012 Research Guide.

Parents and caregivers who have supportive social networks are better equipped to provide safe and nurturing environments for their children, according to the guide.

For more about upcoming child abuse awareness events in Northwest Florida, visit the Blue to Better website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Child abuse awareness takes focus this month in NWF

CRESTVIEW — Garrys Auto Recycling, 1261 E. Chestnut Ave., Crestview, is sponsoring a fund drive for Anna Hutcheson, a 17-year-old Crestview resident who needs a lung and heart transplant.

For qualifying purchases, money owed may be donated to Anna, rather than paying Garrys.

At the end of the drive, all monies received will be totaled and Garrys will match the amount of collections, a spokesperson with the business said.

More than $35,000 of the $70,000 needed has been collected so far.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Business sets fundraiser for Crestview teen

A yard sale and children's event this weekend will benefit the Autism Society's Emerald Coast office, organizers said.

The yard sale is 6 a.m. April 12 at Pinnacle Pointe Rental Community, 1000 Patriot Lane, Crestview.

Bounce-4-Autism, featuring a bounce house, is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 at the same location.

A $5 donation is encouraged, and Spectrum House will provide information on autism.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Autism fundraisers set for this Saturday

Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County officials say black henna tattoos can pose problems.

Unlike natural brown henna tattoos, which use dried ground henna leaves to create a temporary tattoo, unnatural black henna paste includes para-phenylenediamine, or PPD, a toxic chemical exempt from FDA approval.

Adding PPD dyes the skin faster and makes the tattoo look more like a permanent tattoo, but PPD in black henna tattoos makes them unsafe and can produce serious health effects. Symptoms include itching or burning, blistering, oozing, scab formation and, in some cases, permanent scarring.

Ask to see the paste's ingredients before receiving a henna tattoo, health officials advise.

In Okaloosa County, anyone providing temporary tattoos must display a notice stating henna use is not FDA approved and may cause harmful reactions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Health department: Beware of black henna tattoos

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Clothing, cookware among items at Relay For Life yard sale

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two Bridgeway Center Inc. associates recently attended the 2014 National Association of Social Workers-Northwest Florida Unit Annual Appreciation Luncheon at The Meridian at Westwood in Fort Walton Beach.

The association celebrates what social workers do with individuals, families and communities they serve during National Professional Social Work Month.  Community service providers displayed exhibits of their organizations to promote networking with area professionals and awareness of available services.

Karen McGavin, Bridgeway's clinical services program supervisor and clinical intern coordinator, and Donna Morgan, Community Care assistant program director, presented company materials during the event.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway employees celebrate National Social Workers Month

Okaloosa County ranks 19th for Health Outcomes and 10th for Health Factors in Florida, according to the 5th Annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Okaloosa's overall health status remains among that for top Florida counties, but rankings have declined over the years. In 2010, Okaloosa was ranked ninth in the state for Health Outcomes and third for Health Factors.

Twenty-two percent of local adults are smokers, compared to the state average of 18 percent. Twenty-nine percent of Okaloosa adults are obese, compared to 24 percent in 2010.

“Sadly, Okaloosa County residents are more likely to die from cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke and coronary heart disease than residents who live in the top four ranking counties,” said Karen A. Chapman, director of The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County. “Part of our decline in rankings is due to the fact that 16 of the 18 counties ranking above us have seen a reduction in the number of adult smokers over the last five years, while Okaloosa has remained stagnant.”

The health department collaborates with local governments, non-profit organizations, health care facilities, business groups, schools, faith-based organizations and other stakeholders to improve Okaloosa residents' health.

The Community Health Improvement Plan addresses specific opportunities for improved health.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Health department official addresses county ranking