2020 Children's Mental Health Awareness Events
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in cancellations of in person gatherings across the country, including Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and Day celebrations. This year, instead of posting local and state events on the national map, we are providing a list of activities and virtual events you can participate in from your own home, no matter where you live. We hope you will participate in one or more of these to help raise awareness about the importance of mental health for children and youth.
Events begin with national organizations and then are listed alphabetically by the state of the hosting organization.
Children's Mental Health Matters!
National
#GivingGratitude
May 5th - 8th
Times vary
Join their week of online activities and virtual events to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and raise money to fund their support programs. Events include: Gratitude Sunday, Mindfulness Monday, Try It Tuesday, Pet Therapy Thursday and Fun Friday. Learn more HERE and follow their Facebook page for Zoom links and more details.
National
Twitter Chat
Wednesday, May 20th
2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Join StopBullying.Gov and community partners for a Twitter chat focused on the intersection of mental health and bullying, how to recognize mental health issues, the importance of mental health for youth at increased risk for bullying, and how to help children and youth who have experienced bullying.
National
Virtual Youth Fest
May 7th, 4:00-5:30 PM ET
Register HERE.
MYLIFE is offering weekly Virtual Youth Fest events each week on Thursday. On May 7th, their event will focus on CMHAW. Join thier inspiring online event designed for youth and young adults who have experience with mental health, substance use, foster care and/or other challenges. The event is free, but registration is required. Click here to check out their exciting line up of speakers.
Florida
Week of Wellness (WOW)
May 4th - 8th
Times vary
Week of Wellness (WOW) is a series of virtual youth-driven daily events from May 4 to 8, 2020. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, especially in the face of unique and anxious times, let's come together to recognize the voices of young people and learn how they are navigating through these difficult challenges. Learn more HERE.
Georgia
CMHA Day Virtual Edition
May 7th
9:00 AM ET
Georgia Parent Support Network welcomes you to join them for Children's Mental Health Awareness Day - Virtual Edition. Their event will feature opportunities to engage with polls, a 500 mile challenge, guest speakers and Youth Move panelists! Don't miss out on a great event to celebrate Children's Mental Health Awareness Day this year! Learn more and register HERE.
Maine
Free Parenting Webinars
May 5th - 8th
Times vary
Our State Chapter in Maine, G.E.A.R. Parent Network, is offering events for parents and families Tuesday through Friday of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Learn more HERE.
Maine
Self-Advocacy Workshop
Maine Parent Federation's (MFP) Youth Coordinator Dylan Campbell will be hosting a Self-Advocacy workshop for parents and professionals. This workshop is designed for youth but it will be provided for parents and professionals to see what it looks like virtually and to collect feedback for MPF on presenting this to youth during COVID 19.
Maryland
Little Kids, Big Feelings Storytimes
May 3rd - 9th
SMART will post at least 1 pre-recorded Storytime per day throughout the week of May 3rd - 9th on Facebook. In addition to the Storytimes, E-SMART will post short videos including ideas for social emotional focused activities with children, tips for parents and caregivers, and other interactive tools. Follow them on Facebook or visit their website to learn more.
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Massachusetts
PPAL's Toolkit & Events
During the month of May
PPAL is offering a tool kit for Children’s Mental Health Week that includes a month-long Calendar of Events and a variety of awareness materials that are free. Their exciting awareness week plans include the lighting of 14 buildings and bridges in green. Take a look at all the MA proclamations for Children's Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 HERE!
Michigan
#CreativeConversations
May 3rd - 8th
The Association of Children's Mental Health is asking youth with mental health challenges and their families to share messages of hope, advocacy, and experience on social media using the hashtag #CreativeConversations. These messages can be through any creative medium they would like. Painting, dancing, cooking, writing, and photography are a few examples but the possibilities are endless! Youth and families may choose to express their thoughts on a particular issue that is important to them, share their story, or just express who they are to shine a light on the importance of children’s mental health. They will share as many creative works as they can during Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Learn more HERE.
Mississippi
Facebook Live, Webinars and Virtual Support Group
May 6th - 8th
Our state chapter in Mississippi, Families as Allies, is offering an exciting line up of events during Children's Mental Health Awareness week. They include two webinars on family-driven practice and both a Facebook Live and a a Virtual Support Groups on Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, Thursday, May 7th. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Mississippi
#KindessRocks Challenge
May 7th
Submit your picture.
Paint a rock with kind and inspiring words, and leave them around your community to encourage and uplift each other! Take pictures of the rocks before you plant them, and email them. A giant collage will be made with all of the different pictures to be shared online!
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Oregon
#MentalHealthHero2020
April 15th - May 9th
Families are encouraged to record 30 second video clips about the hero(es) in their journey. Post your video on your own social media channels, or on Oregon Family Support Network's (OFSN) Facebook page, with the hashtag #MentalHealthHero2020. Select stories will be re-posted by OFSN during awareness week.
Tennessee
Ask the Expert Panel
May 5th, 8:00 PM CT
Discussions at a Distance
May 6th, 5:00 PM CT
CMHA: Ask the Expert Panel
You have questions, we have experts! Our first event will take place Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 8:00 pm Central on Facebook LIVE via the TN Voices Facebook page. Send your questions in advance to tvc@tnvoices.org or log on and join the discussion!
Discussions at a Distance: Part 1 - Bringing Children's Mental Health Into Focus
This interactive Zoom event is geared towards youth ages 11-16. This Q&A session is designed for youth, parents, and providers. TN Voices staff, Will Voss, Director of Contracts and Marissa Pollard, Youth and Family Therapist will be available to answer your questions! Register HERE.
Tennessee
Children, Young Adults & Families WEB-A-PALOOZA!
Join the Office of Children, Young Adults, and Families as they host a free,day-long web conference to share information about programs, services, and resources celebrating the month of May as Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. Topics include
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Positive Parenting in a Pandemic
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Secondary Trauma Responses
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Providing Family Support in a Pandemic
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Supporting Youth & Young Adults Through COVID-19
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A Virtual, Lunchtime Resource Fair
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Helping Children, Youth, and Young Adults Navigate Grief
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Gender Pronouns 101 Training
Tennessee
Lunch & Learn Webinar
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center's Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth is offering a series of virtual events during Children's Mental Health Awareness Week including a Lunch and Learn Webinar on CMHA Day. See their full line up of events HERE and join them in raising awareness about the importance of mental health for children, youth and their families.
Tennessee
5K4Kids - Virtual
During May, we will be racing specifically for this cause. Join us in May to help bring mental health to the forefront. We can drive change together. You pick the day, the time, the activity, and the course. Event kicks of Saturday, May 2, 2020 and continues through the month of May. Learn more and register here.
Texas
Children's Mental Health Awareness Day: A Digital Experience
During the Month of May
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day will be celebrated across Texas via an interactive website full of family-friendly fun, games, and resources. State leaders, representatives from nonprofit organizations, and youth and families will also be featured on the website with video testimonies that highlight the importance of talking about mental health — especially now.
Wisconsin
2020 CMHA Day
May 7th
9:00 AM
Join Wisconsin as they fill social media with messages highlighting peer support and reminding people that they are not alone! #YouAreNotAlone #PeerSupport #ChildrensMentalHealthMatters #ShareMyStory. Learn more about how you can participate HERE.