MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The month of April brings awareness of sexual assault and survivors.

The history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month dates back to the 1970s, but it wasn't officially observed until 2001.

The teal color and the ribbon associated with sexual assault began in 2000 when it was found that most sexual assault coalitions preferred to use them.

In Meridian Township, a Community-Wide Sexual Assault Prevention Program will begin this month, lead by Nassar survivor, Brianne Randall-Gay.

"This month we're kicking off our efforts with Brianne Randall-Gay, a Nassar survivor. At the end of the month, we'll be holding our first committee meeting on developing a community-wide sexual assault program not only with Brianne, but with the Firecracker Foundation and others here in the region to really augment the efforts of what people are doing to help survivors," said Township Manager, Frank Walsh.

On April 4th, the Firecracker Foundation joined the community-wide program.

The foundation provides children and teens who have survived sexual trauma with holistic therapeutic services and medical advocacy services.

This effort consists of Okemos Public Schools, the Meridian Township board and police department, and Randall-Gay.

Haslett Public Schools confirmation is pending.