In recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, posters by students attending 12 public and public charter schools that portray what mental well-being means to them are on display in the atrium of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania NW. The posters are on display through the month of May.
The DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), and 12 public and public charter schools are partnering to increase public awareness about the importance of paying attention to the mental health of young people, and to emphasize that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.
Participating schools held a poster making exercise for Pre-K through 2nd grades to promote discussion among the students about mental well-being under the theme “Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health”. Each school selected a poster for display in the Wilson Building.
Schools on display:
Browne Education Campus
Cleveland Elementary
Drew Elementary
Friendship PCS Blow-Pierce
Harriet Tubman Elementary
KIPP DC Heights Academy
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary
Moten Elementary
Peabody Early Childhood Campus
Savoy Elementary
Tree of Life PCS, and
Wheatley Education Campus
The Department sponsored public service announcements on WPGC 95.5 about children’s mental wellness for weeks leading up to the poster display.
DBH’s Youth Move Chapter and OSSE’s Youth Advisory Committee released two youth- led public service announcements to promote and reinforce the importance of children’s mental health.
Public Service Announcement #1: Promoting Children and Youth Mental Health Awareness
Public Service Announcement #2: Can You Tell: Youth Mental Health Awareness
Most children and youth manage well daily challenges and stresses with the support of families, friends and other adults. However, some children who suffer a personal loss or have a traumatic experience may be at greater risk for severe reactions. Half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders begin by age 14 but there are often years before people seek and receive treatment.
The Department of Behavioral offers community based mental health services for children, youth and their families proven to make a difference in a child’s functioning in school, at home, and in the community. Nearly 4,500 District children and youth receive services last year.
The Department operates a children’s clinic with same day, walk in service for children up to six years old, if necessary, a team of mental health specialists will travel to a home or school to treat a child in crisis seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The Department also supports treatment for youth with substance use as well as mental or emotional disorders, and works with young people, their families and community partners to prevent underage drinking and marijuana use.
For information about available services for children and families, or to talk to a mental health counselor, call the Access Helpline at 1-888-793-4357, or go to www.dbh.dc.gov. For questions regarding the public service announcements, please contact Yuliana Del Arroyo at (202) 741-0478 or at [email protected].