Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
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 needed treatment; and
WHEREAS, the total number of children receiving public mental health treatment in the state of Alabama is approximately 27,000; 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 wellbeing; and
WHEREAS, scientific research continues to make tremendous breakthroughs in the understanding of mental illnesses, helping individuals experience recovery and resume full and productive lives; and
WHEREAS, children and youth with mental illnesses and their families deserve access to services 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, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of May 1st through May 7th, 2017, as
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
in the State of Alabama.
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 3rd day of May 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor