The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is wrapping up events for the sixth annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and the critical need for positive mental reinforcement beginning at birth. This year’s national theme focused on building resilience in young children dealing with trauma.
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is a collaboration of more than 100 national organizations and Federal agencies and programs. The initiative works to provide greater access to community-based mental health services and support for children and their families.
Communities and organizations around the country join the cause by hosting their own Awareness Day events, focusing either on the national theme, or adapting the theme to their specific communities. Across the country, more than 1,000 communities celebrate this annual observance with local events, social media campaigns, and other activities with children to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health.
In addition to local events, SAMHSA also hosted a live webcast in Washington, D.C. featuring U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and actress Jamie Lee Curtis. The program highlighted stories of trauma and resilience from youth across the country and featured performers from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington. You can watch the powerful true stories and special tribute performances online at http://www.samhsa.gov/children/webcast/index.asp.
SAMHSA continues to increase awareness year-round through educational resources available at www.samhsa.gov. Resources include tips for building resilience in children and youth dealing with trauma, an activity coloring book about feelings, and a list of early childhood and trauma resources list developed with the Awareness Day collaborating organizations.