FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 8, 2026
CONTACTS: Julie Howard, Community Education Specialist, (530) 983-2308,
jahoward [at] shastacounty.gov (jahoward[at]shastacounty[dot]gov)
PURPLE FLAGS, RIBBONS SPOTLIGHT ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
SHASTA COUNTY – Purple lawn flags will be planted in Redding and Anderson this month as a visual reminder of the 2,992 reports of elder and dependent adult abuse made to Shasta County Adult Protective Services (APS) last year.
APS has seen an increase in financial exploitation, which is the County’s top type of elder abuse, followed by neglect. Financial scams may involve false romance, pressure or lies to get seniors to purchase gift cards or use multiple fraudulent methods to gain access to their finances and personal property. Social isolation continues to put seniors at high risk.
To report suspected elder abuse, APS asks Shasta County residents to “Be Bold on Their Behalf” and call its 24-hour hotline, (530) 225-5798. The public is invited to learn how to “Know Abuse, Report Abuse” at ShastaAdultProtectiveServices.com.
Shasta County’s purple lawn-flag displays are part of the events marking June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The public is welcome to attend, wear purple and help plant provided lawn flags at two upcoming events. Both will feature a speaker and photo/video opportunities:
- 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 15, in Redding at City Hall’s front lawn, 777 Cypress Ave.
- 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, in Anderson at the southwest corner of North and East Center streets
This month, large purple ribbons on local vehicles remind Shasta County residents to protect elders. The Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Redding and Anderson police departments, Redding and Anderson fire departments, and other community partners have proudly added purple ribbons to their vehicles in support of seniors.
Shasta County Adult Protective Services provides assistance to elderly and dependent adults.
It is a program of Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency. Learn more at ShastaAdultProtectiveServices.com.
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