National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day focus is to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and show that positive reinforcement for mental health is essential to a child's healthy development. Awareness Day in 2018 is partnering for Health and Hope following trauma that will focus on the importance of an integrated approach to care for children, youth, and young adults with mental health needs. It will help the initiative for those who have experienced trauma as well as their families. This day will also address the challenges faced with students who have conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Asperger's,  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome, and eating disorders seen mostly in adolescents. More than 1,100 communities and 160 national collaboration organizations and federal programs will organize the local Awareness Day activities and events around the country.  The national event will take place on Thursday, May 10th, at 7p.m. in Washington, D.C. It will be at the George Washington University's Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre. The event will feature a "virtual" town hall formate for state agencies, health care providers, families, and youth across the country can ask questions through social media and email. You are encouraged to use the hashtag #HeroesofHope when participating in the national event discussion on social media.  You can watch a live broadcast of the National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day here.