May is Mental Health Awareness Month which has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year, it’s a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children’s mental health is facing a critical system change moment right now. There has never been a moment when mental health needs were more prevalent or more normalized. There is also more awareness and understanding of how racial and historical trauma is connected to mental health and wellness.
Join us in observation of Mental Health Awareness Month. Check out the events and toolkit below.
Join Virtual Events:
Racial Truth & Reconciliation for Children & Families in Virginia
Monday, May 24 at 2-2:50PM
The Greater Charlottesville Trauma-Informed Community Network (TICN) has joined together with the Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition and the Greater Richmond TICN to promote mental health and resilience in our community.
Please join their local network meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 24. The virtual session will feature Chloe Edwards, policy analyst for Voices for Virginia’s Children, and Tiffany Hayes, advocacy & engagement manager for Voices for Virginia’s Children, who will present “Racial Truth and Reconciliation for Children and Families in Virginia,” beginning at 2 p.m. The session will also feature reports on the May events and a self-care moment. Follow this link to register and receive the Zoom link.
Toolkit:
Help share these blogs and images to promote more awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month.
Be sure to tag us @vakids when you do.
Resources (learn, read, and share):
- Mental Health America
- Our Work for Children’s Mental Health
- Mental Health America on Racism and Mental Health
Webinar: The Impact of Racial Trauma and Resilience: Creating Solutions for Children and Families with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services –
