Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a key strategy of the Caring for Every Child's Mental Health Campaign, which is part of the Public Awareness and Support Strategic Initiative by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. In 2013, Awareness Day will be held on Thursday, May 9.

The effort seeks to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth. Last year, the national theme focused on building resilience in young children dealing with trauma.

Communities around the country participated by holding their own Awareness Day events, focusing either on the national theme, or adapting the theme to the populations they serve.

Click here to download the 2012 Short Report: "Promoting Recovery and Resilience for Children and Youth Involved in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Systems." (PDF - 2.4 MB)

Click here to learn about the Benefits of Collaborating on Awareness Day Year-Round.

Check back often for details about how you can get involved in Awareness Day!