Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

WHEREAS, one in 10 children have mental health problems severe enough to impair their functioning at home, in school or in the community; yet, in any given year, it is estimated that less than one in five of these children receive the 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, mental illness continues to be marked by stigma and discrimination based on preconceived notions and misinformation; this stigma often discourages parents and affected children from seeking appropriate treatment; and

WHEREAS, mental illnesses 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 mental illnesses, helping persons experience recovery and resume full and productive lives; and

WHEREAS, children and youth with mental illnesses 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 state’s most important asset is its children, and their health and welfare are paramount to Alabama’s future; and

WHEREAS, Alabama will be joining National Children’s Mental Health Week promotional efforts by encouraging Alabamians to wear green ribbons and hosting events statewide throughout the week:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of May 5 through May 11, 2013, as

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

in the state of Alabama in order to increase public awareness of the triumphs and challenges in children’s mental health, and to emphasize the importance of family and youth involvement in the children’s mental health movement.

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 17th day of April 2013.

                        

Robert Bentley, Governor