Children’s Mental Health Week is a critical time to bring awareness to the mental health needs of children and youth in Missouri. Approximately 13–20 percent of children living in the United States experience a mental disorder in a given year. Poor outcomes for these children can be prevented with early intervention and access to appropriate services. Focusing attention on children’s mental health educates the public, helps build understanding and acceptance, and helps diminish harmful stigma.
The Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) has developed tool kits, posted fact sheets and other materials to help assist local areas in designing activities and events that raise awareness about children’s mental health. Facebook and other social marketing tools are also available to local organizations to use throughout the month of May.
Additional tools and resources are available on the DMH website and:
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
