June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Older people throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation. We all deserve to lead happy and healthy lives free from abuse as we age, yet older people are mistreated more often than we think. It is up to all of us to work together to create a sturdy structure of support and prevent, notice, and report abuse. Please call the Bayfield County Department of Human Services at 715-373-6144 if you are concerned about yourself or another person. Photo caption: The lawn of Washburn City Hall holds 96 pinwheels, which represent the number of elder abuse cases that were reported in Bayfield County in 2021.