2021 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month
Graphics and Content by Dylan Arrieta & the CMHA Planning Committee // April 1, 2021
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness (CMHA) Celebrations
Month: May | Week: May 2-8, 2021 | Day: May 6, 2021
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness events shine a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health. It reinforces the idea that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for communities to connect and offer mental health resources for children, youth, and families.
We encourage people to wear green in a show of support and recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness. Green is the national color of mental health awareness, representing hope, strength, support, and encouragement for people who struggle with mental illness.
How you can take part:
Beginning May 6, 2021, wear green and share how you take care of your mental health as part of our social media campaign.
- Encourage your social media followers to talk about how they and their families take care of their mental health by sharing a photo of yourself or posting a video.
- In your photo or video post, complete the phrase “I take care of my mental health by ___________.” You can even print and fill out a sign to use in your post!
- Tag @camhdhawaii and post with the following hashtags: #mentalhealthtalkHI #KeikiMentalHealthMatters #CMHA21 #MentalHealthWellness #HelpYourKeiki #HealthyWeLiveHawaii
Download our sign templates >> Fillable | Printable
Download our virtual background images >> Green & Beige | Peach & Green | Off-White
Download our fillable virtual backgrounds >> Instructions | Green & Beige (Fillable) | Peach & Green (Fillable) | Off-White (Fillable)
Join one of the virtual events. See calendar below. Please note, the CMHA Planning Committee is adding more events to the list.
*Please register in advance for the following events:
- Keiki Self-Care hosted by Mental Health America of Hawai’i
May 19, 2021 at 2 PM | Registration link closed - A Virtual Youth Mental Health Film Festival hosted by Mental Health America of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Women in Filmmaking. This event showcases a selection of short films produced by youth during Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking programs. Films are available
onlinefrom May 22 at 8 AM until May 26 at 3 PM. Watch the films in advance, then join us for a zoom livestream Q&A with the filmmakers on May 26 from 4 PM to 5 PM.
May 22 to May 26, 2021 |Watch short films >>
CANCELLED: May 26, 2021 4 PM |Register for the Q&A >> - CAMHD 101 Brown Bag hosted by Mental Health America of Hawai’i
May 28, 2021 at 12 PM | Registration link closed
Missed the presentation? Watch the recording >>
Check out and share these exceptional mental health resources available to children, youth, and families.
- Help Your Keiki provides local resources regarding children’s mental health and evidence-based treatments.
- The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (NFFCMH) offers resources and activities to help families get involved throughout May.
- Mental Health America of Hawai’i hosts an array of self-help tools and supports for individuals of all ages.
- Mālama da Mind is a locally developed site for Hawai’i Island families, filled with great resources for families (regardless of location).
For free, 24/7 crisis support, text ALOHA to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line or call Hawai’i CARES on Oʻahu (808) 832-3100 or toll-free 800-753-6879.
Led by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Planning Committee dedicates itself to serving children and families and leading children’s mental health awareness efforts in our islands. Participating organizations include: CAMHD Safe Spaces Committee, Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Child and Family Service, Community Children’s Councils, Hawai’i State Department of Education, EPIC ‘Ohana, Evidence-Based Services, Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking, Hawai’i Families as Allies, Help Your Keiki, Mental Health America of Hawai’i, and Sutter Health Kāhi Mōhala.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Irvine
Public Information Specialist
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division
Phone: (808) 733-9346
Email: [email protected]
PDF: CMHA21 FAQs
PDF: Official Press Release (May 4, 2021)
Last reviewed on October 23, 2023