Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

WHEREAS, one in 10 children and youth suffer from mental illness severe enough to cause some level of impairment; yet in any given year, it is estimated that less than one in five of these children receive needed treatment; and

WHEREAS, the total number of children receiving public mental health treatment in the State of Alabama is approximately 25,000; and

WHEREAS, these brain disorders continue to be marked by stigma and discrimination based on preconceived notions and misinformation; and

WHEREAS, this stigma often discourages parents and affected children from seeking appropriate treatment; and

 

WHEREAS, serious emotional disturbances are more common and often yield more successful treatment outcomes than cancer, heart disease and juvenile diabetes; and

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to overall health and well being; and

WHEREAS, scientific research continues to make tremendous breakthroughs in the understanding of serious emotional disturbances, helping persons experience recovery and resume full and productive lives; and

WHEREAS, children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families deserve access to services and supports that are family-driven, youth-guided and culturally appropriate; and

WHEREAS, values of acceptance, dignity and social inclusion should be promoted throughout all communities for children, youth and families; and

WHEREAS, our most important asset is the children of this state, and their health and welfare are paramount to Alabama’s future; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 1 through May 7, 2011, as

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

in the State of Alabama to increase public awareness of serious emotional disturbances and to promote greater understanding of children who courageously receive treatment for these disorders.

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 21st day of April 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley