Washington, DC—Registration is open for the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Walk and Rally on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at www.lethelpin.com. The first 50 youth to register will receive a $10 iTunes gift card. May is national Mental Health Awareness Month. Sponsored by the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health, the Walk and Rally raise awareness about the importance of paying attention to children's mental health.

The Walk starts at 10 am at the Eastern Senior High School football field, 1700 East Capitol Street NE—check-in starts at 8:30 am.  The scenic route goes down Pennsylvania Avenue, across the Anacostia River, through one of DC’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and ends at  the Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver Street SE.

A carnival-style rally starts at 12 noon. The day is packed full of fun, entertainment and special attractions for children. Community based organizations are on hand to provide information about available services. 

"Helping young children and their parents or caregivers manage social and emotional difficulties early in life may prevent more severe, harder to treat illnesses,” said Tanya A. Royster, MD, Director of the Department of Behavioral Health. " Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. We want people to know that effective treatment is available.”

The Walk and Rally kick off a new youth led campaign called “It’s Time to Let Help In” that allows young people to talk about mental health in their own voices and dispel common fears or myths that keep far too many people from seeking help. For more information, go to www.lethelpin.com.