Get Involved in National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week 2014

In 2004, the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (NFFCMH) declared the first full week of May as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This year that week falls on May 4-10, and all are encouraged to participate in a weeklong celebration of advocacy and awareness efforts.

The NFFCMH is striving to make this year’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week the best yet in honor of its 25th Anniversary as the voice for children’s mental health!

The theme for this year is Building a Circle of Wellness to recognize the NFFCMH’s focus on debunking myths, spreading awareness, and promoting not only positive mental health but also overall health for our nation’s children.

This week is designed for those at the national, state and local level to come together and strive toward the vision for healthy children and families. Get involved in any or all of the following ways to show your support for this cause:

• Attend the Reclaiming Futures webinar, "What Works in Co-Occurring Treatment with Justice Involved Youth," on May 6 at 1pm ET
• Share any activities your organization is planning or attending with the NFFCMH via Corey Brown.
• Sign up for updates on exciting activities and new initiatives throughout the week.
• Participate in the Green Ribbon Campaign by ordering your own ribbons to spread awareness of the cause.
• Download the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week Activity Workbook to get a jump-start on planning activities.
• Submit an entry in the NFFCMH’s 2014 Poster Contest.

The NFFCMH encourages organizations and individuals to combine their efforts during Awareness Week and spread the message that Children’s Mental Health Matters!

For more options on how to get involved, visit the NFFCMH website.

How do you plan to participate in National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week? Share your ideas with us below!

Cecilia Bianco is the social and digital communications account coordinator for Prichard Communications. She contributes to the Reclaiming Futures blog regarding topics of juvenile justice reform and substance abuse prevention.