FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 5, 2010
Contact: Bob Sharpe, 850-545-7606
or Jolene Gurtis, 850-386-9100
Spotlight Thursday on Children’s Mental Health
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Parents, community members, health care providers and advocates from across the state and nation will join forces Thursday (May 6) to raise awareness of the mental health needs of children and their families during National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
Recent statistics show that as many as one in five children and adolescents in the U.S. have mental health disorders. More than 3.3 million American youths aged 12 to 17 receive professional care for emotional or behavioral problems annually – most often for anxiety disorders, severe depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, conduct disorder, eating disorders, autism and schizophrenia.
To focus attention on the problem, the Florida Council for Community Mental Health (FCCMH) has joined with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to recognize this important commemoration.
“National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day provides an important opportunity for communities to showcase the success of children and adolescents with mental health needs who have had access to affordable, community-based treatment and services,” said Bob Sharpe, FCCMH president and CEO. “FCCMH members statewide have made great strides in helping children and families thrive at home, at school and in the community. Together we are improving outcomes and helping change the lives of Florida families.”
This year marks the fifth anniversary of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, as well as a first-time focus on the importance of positive mental health in early childhood. Awareness Day efforts encourage the integration of mental health into every environment that impacts child development from birth. According to advocates, children who receive the services they need when experiencing mental health challenges at a young age are more likely to have positive outcomes. Addressing these challenges early on can help prevent more serious social, educational and emotional struggles later in childhood and adolescence.
Local mental health centers throughout Florida are joining in the commemoration and encouraging greater awareness of children’s mental health issues.
“National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is intended to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery and the transformation of mental health services available to children and their families,” said Veronica Valentine president and CEO of The Child Guidance Center, Inc., of Jacksonville and FCCMH member. “We have seen first-hand how effective programs that serve children with mental health needs promote positive youth development and help children thrive. Healthy kids, mentally and physically, mean stronger and safer communities.”
FCCMH is a statewide association of 63 community-based mental health and substance abuse agencies that provide comprehensive services to adults and children throughout Florida. For more information, go to www.fccmh.org.
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