Children's Mental Health Awareness Day History

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day History

1950s-60′s

Through the next 2 decades, special emphasis was placed on educating the public around mental illness and inviting them to st

Through the next 2 decades, special emphasis was placed on educating the public around mental illness and inviting them to state hospitals and other locations to learn more. In the late 1960s, this national observance was expanded to become May is Mental Health Month to bring greater awareness to the importance of mental health care.

1970s

In the 1970s observances shifted to community based events as state hospital “patients” were moved to community settings.

In the 1970s observances shifted to community based events as state hospital “patients” were moved to community settings.

1991

A group of parents in Missouri got together and decided that one of the most important projects they could undertake was to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding children’s mental health. They formed a coalition of parents, professionals and other stakeholders and created Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Over the next five years three more states, Kansas, Illinois and Ohio began their own celebration of Children’s Mental Health Week. The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health later joined the coalition and promoted the mission.

A group of parents in Missouri got together and decided that one of the most important projects they could undertake was to

1996

PAL launched the first Children’s Mental Health Week in Massachusetts. Its theme was “One Youth At A Time” and included post

PAL launched the first Children’s Mental Health Week in Massachusetts. Its theme was “One Youth At A Time” and included posters, a tool kit, as well as public service announcements. The campaign has grown each year since then.

1949

The National Mental Health Association declared May as Mental Health Month. Although this nationally recognized observance be

The National Mental Health Association declared May as Mental Health Month. Although this nationally recognized observance began as Mental Health Week, with an increase in public interest and a broadening scope of issues, it grew into a month-long awareness campaign.

2012

The goal of this nationally recognized event is to increase public awareness and educate communities to expand the understand

The goal of this nationally recognized event is to increase public awareness and educate communities to expand the understanding of children’s mental health needs and their resulting impact on families.

2007

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health launched the Annual Green Ribbon Campaign, one of the their

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health launched the Annual Green Ribbon Campaign, one of the their most important awareness and education campaigns. The green ribbon is a key symbol in social marketing and awareness efforts. It is an uplifting campaign while also spreading awareness and serving to spread awareness through positive public health promotion effort and begin dialogue throughout communities nationally and internationally.

2006

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services launched an annual national initiative called “National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day,” which occurs during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services launched an annual nat

2004

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health declared the first full week of May as Children’s Mental Hea

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health declared the first full week of May as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week nationally. National Federation partners & all 120 Federation chapters and state organizations were invited & encouraged to participate in a week long celebration of advocacy and children's mental health awareness efforts.