Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America), the nation’s premier organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, hosted its 50th anniversary celebration on October 28, 2022 at Theatre on the Lake in Chicago.  The evening featured a virtual discussion with global icon Oprah Winfrey, PCA America Vice Chair Dr. Bruce Perry – who also co-authored the book “What Happened to You” with Ms. Winfrey – and PCA America President & CEO Dr. Melissa Merrick. The event was emceed by actress, comedian, and podcast host Jessica St. Clair. Proceeds from the event will promote research-based programs and resources that enable kids, families, and entire communities to thrive for generations to come. In its 50-year history, PCA America has advocated for numerous policy solutions to support family wellbeing, from the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) to the expanded child tax credit, which lifted millions of children out of poverty and hunger when Congress passed it as part of the American Rescue Plan in 2021. PCA America’s Healthy Families America (HFA), which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is one of the leading family support and evidence-based home visiting programs in the U.S., with nearly 600 sites serving more than 70,000 families annually. For more information on PCA America, please visit https://preventchildabuse.org/. 

Photo Captions:
One: (from left) President and CEO of PCA America Dr. Melissa Merrick and PCA America Vice Chair Dr. Bruce perry
Two: (from left) Andrea Robertson, Dr. Melissa Merrick (PCA America President and CEO), SuEllen Fried, and Debbie Albanese 
Three: (from left) Edwin Merrick, Dr. Melissa Merrick (PCA America President and CEO), Vicki Dudley, and Dr. Bruce Perry (PCA America Vice Chair)
Photo Credit: Prevent Child Abuse America