In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, Harnett County departments will host various events throughout June, to raise awareness in the community and help prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older and disabled adults in the community.

“Elder abuse is a social issue that affects the health, well-being, independence, and human rights of millions of older individuals globally and deserves the attention of the entire community," said Ashley Johnson, Adult Services Supervisor with the Department of Social Services. “Social isolation, financial or emotional stress, and dementia can make a senior vulnerable to abuse.”

The Harnett County Department of Social Services (DSS) will host the 3rd annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The walk will take place around the Harnett County Government Complex beginning in front of the DSS building and is expected to last 10-15 minutes.

In addition, the Harnett County Health Department will host a vendor fair to provide valuable resources and support to older adults and caregivers. The vendor fair will take place on Tuesday, June 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. An Aging and Sensitivity Training session will take place at 10:15 a.m., offering the community an insight into the needs and challenges of older adults.

The vendor fair will be held at the Harnett County Commons Area, located at 309 W. Cornelius Boulevard, Lillington, NC 27546.

“As we get older, we must learn to be more mindful of exploitation and abuse happening in our community.  Spreading this awareness as often as we can is vital to keeping our elderly population safe”, said LeeAnn Blackmon, Volunteer Services Director/Medicare Coordinator with the Health Department.

Community members are invited to participate in these events, wear purple to show support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and help raise awareness by sharing messages on social media.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed each year on June 15 to highlight elder abuse as a serious issue rooted in ageism and inequality within our society. WEAAD aims to educate and provide communities with a better understanding of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes contributing to elder mistreatment.

“Through education, we can recognize the signs of elder abuse and speak up when we see the signs. Every elderly person deserves to age with dignity and safety. We should work together to ensure that elder abuse is put to an end,” said Paul Polinski, Department of Social Services Director.

 According to studies, 90% of abusers are family members or other trusted individuals. Abuse can happen in various settings including private homes and senior care facilities.

If you suspect elder abuse within your community, please take the following steps:

• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
• To report non-emergency abuse, contact the local DSS Adult Protective Services Unit at (910) 814-6640.
• To report abuse in a nursing home, assisted living, or board and care facility, contact the NC Division of Health Services Regulation at (919) 855-4500.

For more information and resources, please visit https://worldelderabuseawareness.com/

Harnett County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina with approximately 146,000 residents. Harnett's tagline of "Strong Roots, New Growth," describes a county in transition, one that values its rural agricultural heritage while also embracing new growth and industry. Harnett County is optimally located just between North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh and the internationally recognized Research Triangle Park to the north, and the nation's largest military installation in Fort Liberty to the south.