Courtesy photo Members of the Exchange Club, Alcona Health, and the Alpena Children’s Advocacy Center pose for a photo after a donation was made by the Exchange Club to the Alpena Children’s Advocacy Center. Pictured from left to right are: Liz Jones of the CAC, Lee Szczesniak of the Exchange Club, Nancy Spencer CEO of Alcona Health, Dr. Leah Conboy of Alcona Health Center, Exchange Club members Rachel Phillips, Staci Chroninger, Leslie Reynolds, Stacy Van Beest, Ray Reynolds, and Sara Hefele Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

ALPENA — The Exchange Club of Alpena recently purchased a colposcope for the Children’s Advocacy of Northeast Michigan. The $8,895 new machine replaces an 11-year-old machine at the center.

“We are so pleased to have the support of the Exchange Club of Alpena,” said Sara Hefele, director, Children’s Advocacy Center for Northeast Michigan. “A colposcope is used during a physical exam of the victim. The new technology provides us with clearer images and the size of the machine is much smaller, so it is less intimidating to the victim.”

The Exchange Club of Alpena actively works to prevent child abuse as part of the National Exchange Club’s signature project, focusing on raising awareness and connecting families with resources. They fund education, promote protective factors (like strong social connections and parenting skills) to build resilient families, and aim to make the community a safer place by encouraging awareness and reporting of potential abuse.

For more than 100 years, the Exchange Club of Alpena has been an active part of the Alpena community. From its early days of starting the Boys Club in Hillman (now the Boys & Girls Club of Alpena), to distributing thousands of American flags during parades, scholarships for area students and donating funds to support youth, Americanism and our military personnel and law enforcement agencies.

“While we wish child abuse was not a part of our society, we are proud to support the Children’s Advocacy Center and their mission to protect children and provide a safe and supportive environment to those who have experienced abuse,” said Staci Chroninger, president, Exchange Club of Alpena. “Our members are very passionate about the prevention of child abuse and bringing awareness to our community.”

Each April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the club places large flags around Alpena with sponsorships from area businesses and community members. While child abuse happens all year, the Exchange Club hopes to bring awareness to the problem and learn how to identify and report it.

“It is everyone’s role to protect children and help them grow-up in a healthy environment,” added Chroninger. “If you see something about a child that you are concerned about, don’t hesitate to report your concerns, it could make the difference in a child’s life.”

To report an incidence of suspected child abuse or neglect, contact the Children’s Advocacy Center at (989) 358-3564 or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Centralized Intake at (855) 444-3911.

For more information, how to join the Exchange Club of Alpena, or become a sponsor of the Child Abuse Prevention Flag Project, please email exchangeclubofalpena@gmail.com.