MIDDLETOWN – January 28 through February 1 has been declared Orange County No Name-Calling Week by youth serving organizations and schools throughout Orange County.

Educators, parents, mentors and service providers will conduct activities aimed at stemming the tide of name calling and promoting respect for all in the county.

“Ownership of issues around youth safety must come from the community at large,” said Nadia Allen, executive director of the Mental Health Association in Orange County and chairwoman of the Cultural Equity Taskforce in Orange County.

The week is being sponsored by the Cultural Equity Taskforce in Orange County in partnership with the county executive’s office, Orange-Ulster BOCES, Orange County Youth Bureau, county departments of Mental Health, Social Services, and Probation, Orange County System of Care, and Joint Membership of Health and Community Agencies.