National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week!

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week – 2009

Here’s what some of our chapters and state organizations did for 2009 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week!!!

Walk for Mental Health Saturday at UMC

Everyone is invited to “Walk for Mental Health” on Saturday, May 2 to raise awareness of the mental health needs of young children, youth, young adults, parents, families and the elderly.

Organizers will distribute green ribbons and wear green t-shirts to symbolize new life, new growth and new beginnings.
The walk starts at the U of M, Crookston gazebo on the campus mall at 10 a.m. A gentle walk around the path will be followed by several guest speakers. Ice cream is available for purchase. Bring a chair and an umbrella.

The Walk for Mental Health Awareness is sponsored by:  The Polk County LAC; NW MN Council of Collaboratives; and Our Children Succeed Initiative.

Children’s mental health focus of campaign

As part of National Children’s Mental Health Week Sunday through May 9, families and professionals across Mississippi will wear green ribbons on May 7.

The Green Ribbon campaign is designed to bring attention to the ongoing and often complex mental health needs of children and youth. The state Department of Mental Health and Mississippi Families as Allies for Children’s Mental Health are backers of the campaign.

Nearly 35,000 of Mississippi’s children and youth have severe and persistent mental health needs which can impact every aspect of their lives.

“National Children’s Mental Health Week represents an important time for the general public, our legislative policy-makers and other decision-makers at the city, county and state levels to consider the mental health needs of our children and youth as well as ways to effectively address those needs,” said Tessie Brunini Schweitzer, executive director of Mississippi Families as Allies for Children’s Mental Health.

“We feel strongly about mental health education for both parents and children,” said Ed LeGrand, DMH executive director. “We must educate children about mental health to help dispel the stigma associated with mental illness and also for suicide prevention. We hope everyone will join with us and proudly wear a green ribbon on May 7.”

Poster Awareness Campaign

G.I.F.T.S., Inc. (State Organization) in Guam has created a 2009 green ribbon poster! This poster will be placed at schools, police stations, agencies and various businesses. They are also having a grand opening for G.I.F.T.S. and have invited the First Lady, Judge Barcinas and other community leaders to join in the celebration.

Still want more information?
Check out these links to see what other chapters and state organizations are doing!!!

Georgia Parent Support Network
Parent Professional Advocacy League Ohio Federation
Vermont Federation
Iowa Federation