Children, Families, Providers & Advocates Celebrate Children's Mental Health

ALBANY, NY (05/03/2010)(readMedia)-- Mental health programs have a positive influence on the lives of New York State's children, their families and loved ones, and that positive impact was celebrated today (May 3) by a group of young people, family members, mental health service providers, county mental health leaders and advocates, along with representatives of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), Families Together in New York State (FTNYS) and YOUTHPOWER!

The festivities included the presentation of Governor David A. Paterson's proclamation of May 2-8, 2010 as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week in New York State, and Congressman Paul Tonko spoke to the group about federal health care reform, access to services and children's mental health. The gathering also applauded the accomplishments of the children's mental health community in New York State.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "New York State's mental health programs for children are second to none, and Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is a perfect way to celebrate the important role they play in the lives of young ones and their families across the State. These programs are making a difference in the lives of New York's youth, and helping them form a foundation for success in school, in work and in life."

OMH Commissioner Mike Hogan said, "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to celebrate outstanding community programs across New York. We are delighted to join with family and youth advocates to recognize some of the best mental health services anywhere for children, youth and families--all located here in New York State."

"I am proud to support Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and highlight the leadership New York has shown in providing mental health services," said Congressman Paul Tonko. "As an Assemblyman, I partnered with my colleagues to end discrimination and ensure families access and affordability of mental health services through Timothy's Law. I will continue to fight for programs and services that will make a positive impact on the lives of young New Yorkers."

Paige Pierce, Executive Director, Families Together in New York State, said, "During Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, and every day before and after, we join children, families, agencies, and policy makers throughout our state in educating, increasing awareness, and decreasing stigma associated with children with mental health concerns. Together, our voices are strong and our message of hope will be heard. We invite New Yorkers everywhere to join us in our commitment to improving mental health from birth to adulthood."

Stephanie Orlando, Director of YOUTH POWER!, said, "When we face trauma or struggles early in life, it is important that there are caring, strength-based, culturally competent, family-centered and recovery-focused supports in our communities. Young people are the future of the state and their voices are so important. Today we focus on the positive things we do to support our youth through challenging times so that they can have a fulfilling future."

Kristin Riley, Deputy Commissioner and Director, OMH Division of Children and Families, said, "In these difficult times it's important to hear first hand how investing in children's mental health pays off. Lives are saved and talents are developed every day. The inspiring stories of these young people and their families are a gift."

Representatives from five children's mental health programs shared inspirational stories that illustrated their unique influence on the lives of young people and their families. The programs are: Prevention, Access, Self-Empowerment & Support; Camp Get-Away; Parsons Center Child & Adolescent Mobil Crisis Team; Interborough Developmental and Consultation Services; and Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services Center for Trauma Innovation

An interactive poster session represented outstanding children's mental health programs that have made a difference in the lives of children and their loved ones.

As New York State's mental health authority, the Office of Mental Health is responsible for the planning and delivery of high quality care, treatment, and rehabilitative services to adults with severe mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance. Services promote recovery and provide hope for the future, and are designed to be consumer and family focused, responsive to individual needs, and respectful of culture and language.

Families Together is a non-profit, family-run organization that strives to establish a unified voice for children and youth with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Its mission is to ensure that every family has access to needed information, support, and services.

YOUTH POWER! is the New York State network of young people with disabilities and/or social-emotional challenges. Through peer to peer mentoring, they empower young people to be active citizens that are aware of government operations, their rights and the ability to use their voices to influence policies, practices, regulations, and laws.