FCBHA plans events for National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
In a study conducted by the National Center for Children in Poverty, one in 10 youth are affected by mental health problems that are considered severe enough to harm how they are functioning at home, in school and within the community.
Because of the affects mental health disorders can have on children, The Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration (FCBHA) has planned a series of activities to take place Monday as part of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
According to a release from FCBHA, “Research shows that when children as young as 18 months are exposed to traumatic events, they can develop serious psychological problems later in life and have a greater risk for experiencing problems with substance abuse, depression and physical health. Integrating social-emotional and resilience building skills into every environment can have a positive impact on a child’s healthy development.”
Lisa Ferris, CEO of FCBHA, said she hopes the event will raise awareness of children’s mental health needs.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day will be presented locally by FCBHA, Fayette YouthMOVE and the Community Awareness of Life and Loss (CALL) group and will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Carnegie Free Library, 299 S. Pittsburgh St., Connellsvile.
A highlight of this year’s event will be “Goal Tending,” a one-man theatrical performance by Tim Hartman that will address the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“[The performance] has a positive message for children; if you have a dream, set your goals, and work toward it,” said Ferris.
In addition to Hartman’s performance, an arts and crafts area will be established that will help children recognize their own emotions.
“We are trying to work in some feelings and emotions,” said Robyn Brady, consultation and education specialist at FCBHA. “For crafts, for example, we are doing masks that have to do with feelings.”
In addition to the theatrical performance and children’s activities, numerous organizations and resources that will be available to parents who attend the fair.
“[We want] families to know there are resources out there for them, right here locally,” said Brady. “So if there are some parents that have questions or concerns about their child, there will be some folks they can talk to.”
The event is open to the public, and registration is not required to attend the event.
For more information, call FCBHA at 724-430-1370.