Day calls awareness to children's mental health

The first-ever National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day will take place on May 8, 2007.

This day falls during Children's Mental Health Week, which mental health organizations celebrate every first full week in May, which takes place from May 6-12 this year.

The goal of this week is to increase awareness of children's mental health issues with the hope of encouraging early diagnosis and treatment, and to eliminate the stigma associated with children's mental health. Stigma discourages families from getting the help they need because of the fear of being discriminated against or judged. If you want to show your support for Children's Mental Health Week, you can wear a green ribbon.

KATHLEEN MULROY

Sagle