May is Children’s Mental Health Month
Lighting the Path to Social Justice for Children & Youth
Caring for Every Keiki’s Mental Health
Mental health challenges are some of the most common health issues of childhood. One out of every five children and youth has a diagnosable mental health need. Unfortunately, not every child who has a mental health need receives treatment or services. This could be due to a lack of awareness about mental health and available resources. It could be because families have a hard time getting services. Or it could be because some people feel shame about receiving mental health care.
The Campaign
The annual Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Month campaign is a series of statewide events and efforts to help break down some of these barriers to equitable mental health care. It provides information about community mental health services and resources for the whole ‘ohana, while encouraging families to help break down stigma in our community and start talking story about mental health.
This year’s 2024 Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Month theme is Lighting the Path to Social Justice for Children & Youth. Learn more about the annual campaign from the National Federation of Families.
Events
The Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Month campaign is a collaboration of the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD), the Hawai‘i Department of Education, and other child-serving agencies and community-based organizations across the state.
The campaign goal is to raise acceptance of the importance of keiki mental health and mental health services. Each year, we recognize the month of May as Children’s Mental Health Month with events all over the islands.
Resources & Information
You’ve probably heard that mental health is just as important to your child’s health and development as their physical health. But it’s easy to know when your child needs help getting over the flu, right? Or when she has a broken arm, it’s simple to know where they are hurting.
Mental and behavioral health, however, can be trickier to understand. What does normal mental health look like? What are the warning signs of something more serious? What can I do to help?
Keiki Mental Health Matters sponsors and partners are here to help. Hawaii Department of Health’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division provides mental health services in all communities across the islands. Check out our Keiki Mental Health Resources page for a guide to managing your child’s mental health.
Get Involved
Spread the Message!
Follow our sponsors, engage with posts, and share your own message encouraging Children’s Mental Health Acceptance using hashtags #CMHA2024 and #KeikiMentalHealthMatters.
Become a Volunteer Crisis Counselor!
Crisis Text Line, in partnership with the Hawaii Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division and Adult Mental Health Division, is urgently looking for more Hawaii-based volunteer crisis counselors who can serve texters of all ages here in the islands, from youth to adults, as well as texters in the continental U.S. who need support during the middle of night (in the evening hours for us in Hawaii).
Contact Us
Program Improvement & Communications Office, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division, Hawai‘i Department of Health
Email: DOH.CAMHD.comms@doh.hawaii.gov
Phone: (808) 733-9333
Visit our sponsors for further information and resources on children’s mental health
Our Sponsors & Partners
Local Resources
National Resources
