May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and the specific day that the national event will take place is Thursday, May 4. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will be sponsoring the event in which we will recognize some of the key issues affecting the mental health of our children, youth and young adults.
How will we address this growing mental health problem within our youth community?
Below is the release on this event.
Awareness Day 2017’s national focus is on the importance of integrating behavioral health and primary care for children, youth, and young adults with mental and/or substance use disorders. The 2017 national theme is “Partnering for Help and Hope.” Comm
unities, national collaborating organizations, and federal programs across the country are busy planning local Awareness Day 2017 activities and events.
Olympic champions Michael Phelps, the world’s most decorated Olympian, and Allison Schmitt, an eight–time Olympic medalist, will serve as Honorary Chairpersons of SAMHSA’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) 2017 national event! Read the press announcement about their recognition.
The national event will take place on Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m. EDT in Washington, DC. SAMHSA will also webcast the event. The 2017 national event will feature interactive panels addressing the following topics:
- The importance of social, emotional, behavioral, and physical health needs of children, youth, and young adults;
- Modeling effective communication practices between behavioral health providers, primary care providers, families, and youth; and
- Addressing the needs of youth with co-occurring chronic illnesses and mental and/or substance use disorders.
During the national event, families, youth, and young adults across the country will have an opportunity to pose questions to panelists on the national stage through email and social media. SAMHSA will webcast the event and NBC4 Washington and its sister stations across the U.S. will livestream the event.
It is my sincere hope…
…decision-makers who have influence in this sphere to help our children and youth will be attuned to the issues raised and be a part of the solution for those who are struggling with mental health or substance use disorders.
As a country, we are reaching staggering statistics in this arena. We need to focus systematically on both prevention and intervention if we are going to meet the needs of so many who are struggling with these issues.
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO, Lakeside Educational Network
