Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments Released Balloons at Elder Abuse Awareness Walk – Seeks to Address Environmental Concerns
HOLDING STATEMENT: JUNE 18, 2019
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McKinney (803-774-1384)
The Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments hosted an inaugural Elder Abuse Awareness Walk at Dillon Park on Saturday, June 15. Over 50 participants attended the event which featured opening remarks by Sumter County Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr, a balloon release, and a one-mile walk for all ages. The event goal was to raise awareness about the growing and serious problem of elder abuse. June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15 is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
It has come to our attention that there are environmental concerns raised regarding the balloon release and its impact to animals and wildlife. This statement addresses those concerns and our reasoning behind the balloon release. We sought to raise awareness and show a positive, visual display of our support for Elder Abuse Awareness. We chose 50 purple balloons – purple is the color for Elder Abuse Awareness – to release at the beginning of the one-mile walk. While we thought that our release was compliant with the National Association of Balloon Artists and Suppliers (NABAS), who adhere to a code of conduct guided by principles to safeguard the environment, we realize now that we were only partially compliant.
The balloons used in the release are designated as environmentally friendly. A scientific survey carried out in 1989 revealed that on release a balloon will float up to a height of approximately five miles and then it becomes brittle and shatters into miniscule pieces falling back to earth at a rate of circa one piece every 5 square miles. The latex balloons used are made from tree sap and 100% biodegradable. Unfortunately, we did not realize that when ribbons are attached to these environmentally friendly balloon options, they could result in potential problems like those mentioned by concerned citizens who so obviously and rightfully care about our environment.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the agency, the sole responsibility of the balloon release lies with me and not with any elected official nor staff person. In the future, I will find alternative ways to highlight the causes we are championing. Further to show that we too are environmentally concerned citizens, I am coordinating with the SC Department of Transportation to schedule a roadside clean up in the near future. My agency and I will take some time on a Saturday to pick up litter along a stretch of Highway 521.
Our intent was to raise awareness of Elder Abuse, and we hope that more people are now aware of this serious issue among our aging population. We sincerely hope that the decision to use ribbon for the balloon release does not overshadow the much needed attention on supporting the safety and welfare of our aging population.
About Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments
Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments is a premier organization committed to optimizing our region’s unique strengths for a better tomorrow. Our mission is to deliberately enhance the quality of life and provide opportunities for the advancement of our region. Santee-Lynches serves the counties and cities of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter. To learn more, visit santeelynchescog.org.
Santee-Lynches COG is a member of the South Carolina Councils of Government (SC COGs). The SC COGs are a network of the 10 regional councils of governments working to positively affect quality of life and economic development in South Carolina. SC COGs serve as an extension of local and county governments to provide technical assistance, secure state and federal dollars to address critical issues, and advocate at a state and national level for economic and quality of life improvements for South Carolina. To learn more, visit sccogs.org or visit santeelynchescog.org.