Mental Health Resources for Children in Alexandria

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2018

In recognition of the 2018 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 7 – 13, the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services Center for Children and Families is engaging the community with the theme: Heroes for Hope.

The effort builds on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national theme for Mental Health Awareness Month: Partnering for Health and Hope Following Trauma.

Among the many resources available, Kognito’s At-Risk for Elementary, Middle School and High School are research-proven online training simulations designed to prepare concerned adults to:

1. Recognize when a young person is exhibiting signs of psychological distress, and;
2. Engage in a conversation with the young person with the goal of connecting them with the appropriate support.

The training simulations take about an hour and are available for free at alexandriava.gov/DCHS.

Kognito also offers Friend2Friend simulations to help high school youth provide peer support. To access this simulation, visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS.

Events and activities at Alexandria City Public Schools include:

• Kognito Friend2Friendtabling at T.C. Williams and Minnie Howard – students will be encouraged to complete Friend2Friend
• Discussion forum on May 10 at T.C. Williams at 3:30 p.m., to include a debrief on Kognito and connect teens to resources
• Raffle for completed Friend2Friend simulations

For more event information and mental health resources, visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, as amended.  To request a reasonable accommodation, email maurice.tomdio@alexandriava.gov or call 571.384.5244, Virginia Relay 711.