National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week was observed nationwide from May 4th through May 10^th, with awareness activities across the Mountain State.

The West Virginia Division of Children’s Mental Health, and the Children’s Outreach Liaisons from the state’s 13 Comprehensive Behavioral Health Centers teamed up during May with the West Virginia System of Care and the Family Advocacy, Support & Training (FAST) Program to coordinate a statewide effort to promote the well-being of children and adolescents. 

Dozens of activities and events took place in communities large and small, with the theme “Celebrate Children’s Well-Being!”  The goal was to promote mental, behavioral and emotional wellness, with an effort to decrease stigma and provide local resource information for those children and their families who may need help.

Activities included displays at libraries and schools, participation in health fairs, and receptions at community behavioral health centers.  Green balloons and awareness materials were given out in every county of the state, including 1,300 green awareness ribbons that were handmade by West Virginia families of children with emotional and behavioral challenges.  In all, materials were distributed to over 6,000 individuals across the state by Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center staff and volunteers.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, one in five children suffers from a diagnosable mental health disorder. West Virginia is faced with significant challenges -- only an estimated 28% of children identified with the most serious emotional disorders actually receive treatment, according to the state’s Bureau for Behavioral Health⁽¹⁾. In addition, children with chronic behavioral and emotional problems have diminished family functioning, more school absences, and less participation in community activities ⁽²⁾.

 (1) WV Bureau for Behavioral Health, Children’s Division