This year’s theme is Action Changes Things. One way to advocate for children’s mental health is by lighting up green in support of Children’s Mental Health Week this year. Parent/Professional Advocacy League has a toolkit for people to use. Toolkit materials are free. Posters can be downloaded. Some towns and cities will have CMHW public lightings.
Since 2002, the Governor of Massachusetts, has issued an official proclamation for Children’s Mental Health Week. Some Massachusetts mayors issue proclamations, too. Children’s Mental Health Week is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the triumphs and challenges in children’s mental health. It emphasizes the importance of family and youth involvement in children’s mental health.
In Massachusetts, Children’s Mental Health Week is sponsored by the Department of Mental Health and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP), a Beacon Health Options company.
Here are some Children’s Mental Health resources that may be helpful.
Children’s Mental Health Campaign (CMHC) has six highly reputable partner organizations:
- The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Parent/Professional Advocacy League
- Health Care for All
- Health Law Advocates
- Massachusetts Association for Mental Health
Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) – Helps MassHealth children with behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs. Families can get integrated behavioral health services and a comprehensive, community-based system of care.
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) HandHold – DMH has a collection of resources that you can try at home today and organizations that we know can help.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) – MBHP is here to provide you or your loved one with a full range of services to help with medical, mental health, and substance use disorder conditions.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Massachusetts Resources for Children and Teens – Includes family support programs.
Children’s mental health is important every week of the year.