An important call-to-action on children's mental health (which is, of course, strongly connected to maternal and paternal mental health):

The first week of May is Children's Mental Health Week 2007. On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, communities across the nation will hold events to commemorate the second annual National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.

In conjunction, national organizations are sponsoring a congressional briefing in Washington, DC, on that day. The
national partners for Awareness Day include Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Association of Social Workers. Data will be presented to encourage the continued support of comprehensive, community-based, mental health services for children and youth, and to raise awareness about the effectiveness of school-based mental health programs. Speakers will share their personal stories to "put a face" on the issues that affect children with mental healthcare needs and their families.

You have a powerful role to play at the community level. The invitation to members of Congress and their staff to attend the Awareness Day briefing on Capitol Hill is made more effective when they hear from their constituents: you.

Here's what you can do:

1) Contact your Congressional representative and senator and encourage him or her to attend the Awareness Day Briefing on Capitol Hill. To find your legislator’s contact information, click here:

Let them know how the issues that will be discussed affect your family and your community. If you have it, share data that illustrates how these issues are affecting your district or your state. By supporting National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, you can lend your voice to those who don’t have a vote.

ALSO: Free, downloadable materials are available for use by community advocates and professionals in raising awareness and educating the public. Press kits and other resources are available in both English and Spanish.