A key focus area for The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is to educate the public on the causes of intellectual, cognitive, and related developmental disabilities and reducing their prevalence through prevention.  This is accomplished through the following:

Bicycle & Helmet Safety Program:  Over the past eight years, The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley has given approximately 3700 underprivileged children a bicycle helmet at no cost, in an effort to keep them safer and healthier.  Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of brain injury, a leading cause of mental retardation, in the event of a crash or fall by almost 90%.  An estimated 30% of children and 60% of adults riding bikes, however, do not regularly wear a helmet.  Distribution of the helmets, combined with safety and usage education, has proven to reduce the number of related injuries.  The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley attends health & safety fairs, bike rodeos, and other community events (which include collaborations with local law enforcement agencies) in an effort to reduce the prevalence of injury through prevention.  This project receives continued funding through the Henry Logan Children’s Foundation.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Community Education:  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a cluster of permanent, non-curable brain disorders and physical malformations, including intellectual, cognitive, and related developmental disabilities, that are caused by women drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FAS is 100% preventable if the woman does not drink during pregnancy.  The effects of FAS are life-long.  It is the most commonly-known preventable cause of birth defects that result in disabilities. The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley provides trainings and opportunities for educating high school students on the effects of alcohol during pregnancy.

Pregnant Pause Program: Pregnant Pause is a community education campaign geared to educate the public about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The events combine fun and festivity with important information about prenatal care, childhood safety, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and community resources.