As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Campaign organized an event on May 29, “A Community Conversation about Children’s Mental Health,” to raise awareness of the need for Chesterfield elected officials and residents to address mental health issues in children. The event was sponsored by Voices for Virginia’s Children and the Campaign for Children’s Mental Health, Chesterfield Community Services Board, and Bon Secours. Bon Secours is a major funder of the Campaign for Children’s Mental Health, and generously provided meeting space at its St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield.
Senator Henry Marsh, Delegate Kirk Cox, and Delegate Riley Ingram, all members of the General Assembly committees that create the state budget, served as co-hosts for the event, which attracted nearly 40 individuals who live and work in Chesterfield County.
After viewing a webinar produced by the Child Mind Institute about the mental health needs of children at a national level, the legislators discussed the additional general funds the state has provided in the last two years to improve children’s crisis response and child psychiatry services. The conversation that followed highlighted the ongoing difficulties families often face in accessing mental health treatment for their children, as well as suggestions for improvements.
The event served as an important vehicle for keeping children’s mental health issues in the spotlight for key legislators who shape Virginia’s budget and for bringing together families and treatment professionals to discuss ways to improve the lives of children with mental health challenges. Thanks to all the Chesterfield folks who attended!
The Campaign hopes to replicate this type of event in other areas of the state. If you are interested in having an event like this in your locality, please contact campaign coordinator Margaret Nimmo Crowe, margaret@vakids.org.
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