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A contingent of Cook County professionals who provide services to children and families attended the county board meeting on April 23, 2013 to celebrate a Blue Ribbon Award from Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, a chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, whose mission is to empower individuals and communities to stop child abuse and neglect before it starts through education, advocacy, and family support. According to Cook County Public Health & Human Services (PHHS) Case Aide Anna Sandstrom, who prepared the application for the award, “Cook County’s child abuse prevention efforts involve a strong network of professionals collaborating on a monthly basis to strengthen families and reduce barriers to resources and services. …Together, we are working on positive parenting, early intervention, support to parents, and overall reducing barriers to strengthen families and our community.” Cook County Public Health & Human Services Director Sue Futterer thanked the county board and the Grand Portage Tribal Council for the support and funding they provide. (L-R) Jodi Yuhasey (Violence Prevention Center), Heidi Doo-Kirk (county commissioner), Lucy Perpich (Violence Prevention Center), Sue Hakes (county commissioner), Jeanne Smith (County Attorney’s Office), Beth Faraone (PHHS), Bruce Martinson (county commissioner), Jodi Kristenson (PHHS), Grace Bouchard (PHHS), Garry Gamble (county commissioner), Patty Foley (Grand Portage Human Services), Anna Sandstrom (PHHS), Sue Futterer (PHHS), Molly Hicken (County Attorney’s Office), and Alison McIntyre (PHHS).