Dear Association Executives - See below and at the links below for information on a virtual event tomorrow with Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on youth mental health and school based services.
Please feel free to share this with your members.
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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, tomorrow, Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy will be hosting a fireside chat on youth mental health and the role of parents with Dule Hill and Jazmyn Simon Hill. Please see event details below. We hope you are able to tune in and watch.
Date: Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 4th
Time: 10:30 AM ET – 11:30 AM ET
Link to Join: twitter.com/surgeon_general
Today, Secretary Xavier Becerra and leaders across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released statements in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, which is observed every year in May. As part of President Joe Biden's whole-of-government strategy to transform mental health services for all Americans-a key part of the President's Unity Agenda-Secretary Becerra kicked off the HHS National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health to address the mental health challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including substance use, youth mental health, and suicide. Since kicking off the tour, Secretary Becerra and HHS leaders have been traveling across the country to hear directly from Americans about the mental health challenges they're facing and engage with local leaders to strengthen the mental health and crisis care system in our communities. The National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health was launched on March 1, 2022, following the State of the Union.
The linked Fact Sheet provides an overview of the Department's efforts to address the nation's behavioral health crises and strengthen mental health of all Americans.
Furthermore, today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded nearly $25 million to improve and strengthen access to school-based health services in communities across the country. Awards will support local partnerships between schools and health centers to provide children and youth the comprehensive physical and mental health care they need.
"When students are healthy, they are able to learn, grow, and thrive," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "Our nation's youth have endured many challenges navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to ensuring they have the support they need. Today we're investing in school-based health care to meet families where they are and make sure children have easy access to care – including mental health support."
Marvin Figueroa
Director, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C.
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Stephanie Katz
Assistant Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
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Neal Comstock
Director of Membership
National Council
NealC@TheNationalCouncil.org202 748-8793
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