[Archived] Children’s Mental Health Takes Spotlight During Mental Health Awareness Month in May

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2019

In recognition of the 2019 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 5 – 11, the Department of Community and Human Services is engaging the community with resources to combat youth mental illness.

The effort builds on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national theme: “Suicide Prevention: Strategies That Work.”

Among the 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.
2. Engage in a conversation with the young person to connect them with the appropriate support.

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

Kognito also offers Step In, Speak Up! for supporting LGBTQ youth, a 30-minute online training for adults to support youth who may be struggling due to harassment or exclusion related to sexual identity, sexual orientation or other differences.

Additional Events and activities include:

• Youth Mental Health First Aid Course, May 16 & 17, 2019, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., 4480 King St. This eight-hour certification is for adults to learn how to help adolescents experiencing a mental health or addictive crisis.
• Alexandria City Public School students will be encouraged to take the Test Your Mood: Confidential Screening for mental health and substance use disorders. This screening is also available to the public.
• The Keep It 360 Club from T.C. Williams High School will host a creative art contest focused on reducing stigma around mental health and a workshop on anxiety and depression.

For more information and mental health resources, contact Noraine Buttar at 703.746.3436 or visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS. 

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