Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day — on May 9, 2012 — is a key strategy of the Caring for Every Child's Mental Health Campaign, a public awareness effort by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Awareness Day is a way to bring attention throughout the country to the importance of positive mental health to a child's social and emotional development from birth. Awareness Day has grown in scope, visibility, and support since its beginning in 2005. This year-round initiative now connects cross-disciplinary organizations in their efforts to promote awareness of children's mental health issues not just on a single day, but year-round.

Whether you participate as a national collaborating organization, a SAMHSA-funded community, or a local affiliate of a national organization, Awareness Day:

• enhances your reputation as an agent for providing greater access to children's mental health services and supports;
• reinforces your commitment to the total wellness of children and youth;
• highlights your participation in collaboration with other national organizations and Federal agencies addressing children's mental health needs;
• promotes your organization or company brand in the materials and online content produced to educate and inform participants and the public on Awareness Day; and
• provides access to SAMHSA's social marketing tools to support awareness-raising initiatives for children's mental health.

Identifying and Involving Local Program Partners

Benefits of Collaborating Year-Round

Community Events

Awareness Day 2012 Pledge Form (PDF - 111 kb)