Children's Mental Health Awareness Week observed May 3-9, community invited to May 5 event

In a united effort to focus attention on children's mental health, Children's Grove, along with Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Columbia will sponsor an observance event Tuesday, May 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Shelter Insurance Fountain, 1817 W. Broadway, Columbia

The event will kick off with Mayor Barbara Buffaloe reading of The City of Columbia's official proclamation declaring the week of May 3-9 as Children's Mental Health Week. Attendees will then hear remarks from speakers who represent organizations serving children and families in Columbia.
The gathering reminds Columbia that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Part of the observance will be a moment to "Ring4Hope," in which attendees will join others across Missouri to ring bells to celebrate Children's Mental Health Week. Those in the audience will also be asked to focus on one specific child and one specific way they might enhance that child's social, emotional, and mental well-being, write it down and pin it to the event's Resolution Tree.

President of Children's Grove, Sarah Green Lee, noted the Resolution Tree, "We believe asking people to write down specific ways they will encourage a specific child increases the likelihood they will carry out positive deeds. After all, our children need more than our caring to sustain their well-being. They need our healthy words, actions, and resources."

Barb Buchanan, NAMI Columbia support group facilitator, noted, "Green lights in the community and wearing green ribbons and clothing can remind us of the color of new beginnings and hope. This raises awareness in our communities that behavioral health care is health care for our children and for everyone."

Attendees are encouraged to wear green, bring a bell, a lawn chair and a banner or a poster with their agency logo for group photos. Wearing green is encouraged and green ribbons will be available at the event. The event is open to the public and no registration is required.

If needed, the designated rain location will be Boone County Family Resources, 2700 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203.

Heather Harlan, Health Program Coordinator at Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, reminds the community, "Many local organizations will be displaying green lights to call attention to the week-long observance. This public show of support fuels awareness, which is the first step towards effective action."

The list this year of organizations that will offer either outdoor green lighting or simple green candles indoors as a show of support includes:

Outdoor lighting:

• Boone County Family Resources
• CenterPointe Hospital
• Centerstone
• Gateway Plaza
• KVC Columbia
• MEM Mutual Insurance Company
• MU Health Care
• Shelter Fountain
• Compass Health, locations at Berrywood, Portland and Worley Street

Indoor lighting:

• Love Columbia
• MU College of Health Sciences
• Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
• Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri

For more information, contact Heather Harlan, 573-817-6404 or [email protected]create new email

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