Awareness Week 2012

SAMHSA’S CMHAD

In observance of the Federal sponsored Awareness Day, over 1,000 communities and 115 Federal programs and national organizations across the country participate in events, youth demonstrations, and social networking campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health.  Each year, a national event complements local activities around the country.  This year, SAMHSA is hosting this event to share the message that, with the help of caring adults and informed child-serving systems, young people can demonstrate resilience following traumatic experiences.

The national event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on May 9, 2012, at Lisner Auditorium featuring young people in juvenile justice, child welfare, and education systems who have demonstrated resilience from trauma.  The national focus will also address strategies to assist military families in enhancing their resilience.  Each youth will be asked to identify heroes who have supported them through their experiences.  The event will feature performances by National Endowment for the Arts grantees in tribute to these “Heroes of Hope.”  The event will be webcast nationally. Members of the 115 national Awareness Day collaborating organizations will support their affiliates and grantees across the country in organizing events to view the webcast together and begin conversations about the importance of children’s mental health.

The event will be preceded by a reception hosted by the Child Mind Institute at 5:00 p.m. at Tonic restaurant (2036 G Street, NW).  During the reception there will be an art exhibit sponsored by the American Art Therapy Association featuring art from schools throughout the country.