Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? And that May 7th is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day? Mental Health Awareness Month is sponsored by the United States Health & Human Services Department. The theme for this year is “Thriving in the Community”, emphasizing the role that schools, sports clubs, youth groups and other community organizations play in supporting children’s self-esteem and mental health. It also reminds us that it takes a community, or a village, to support the mental health and success of all of its members, especially its children. Take time this month to learn more about the programs in your community that help families and caregivers support and promote children’s mental health. Or, use your voice this month to speak up for the promotion of children’s mental health, and help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in our community- inform your friends, family or colleagues about the importance of ensuring health social-emotional development for all children!

For more information on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week/Day,visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/children/