Celebrate National Children's Mental Health Month - May

The month of May is National Children's Mental Health Month. One in five children between the ages of 9- 17 has a mental illness that requires intervention by parents and schools. Let's work together to make the month of May an engaging forum with the community to reach the National Goals:


• promote tips for supporting children's positive mental health and helpful links for more information

• energize your community and show how children with mental health needs thrive in your community

• demonstrate how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resilience

• maximize your impact and raise awareness of effective progress for children's mental health needs



Here are a few suggested activities to engage local schools, youth organizations, and daycare centers with local business organizations in Children's Mental Health Awareness:



1. Community arts event

Have students express their feelings through art, poetry, music, and drama. Have a community fair for children to perform and share their talents.



2. Book Read

Create a book list that talk about feelings, emotions, friendship and bullying. Work with your local public library to have a community book fair. Form book reading clubs and involve community leaders in the reading of the suggested children's books.



3. Table Tents and Placemats

Partner with local restaurants and have students create Table Tents and Placemats that include facts about Children's Mental Health. Include family activity calendars, resource information, and parenting tips, as well as, student art work.



4. Family Event

Hold a walk-a-thon or bowl-a-thon and encourage families to participate. Invite social workers, CASA volunteers, and local leaders to join the event.



5. Balloon Launch

Purchase environmentally safe green balloons. Involve community leaders to kick off the launch about the importance of understanding children's mental health needs.