SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox, in partnership with the Children’s Center Utah, has declared May 1 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day to bring awareness to the special attention needed for children’s mental health across the state.
The governor issued a formal declaration Monday, marking the third year in which a special day has been dedicated to children’s mental health. The month of May is often recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, but often children can be overlooked in discussions regarding the need.
“Mental health problems can affect anyone, including our children and youth,” Cox said. “It’s time to prioritize the importance of mental health and raise awareness about the challenges our children can face. Let’s all make a commitment to support those struggling with mental, emotional or behavioral issues and create a more compassionate and resilient community.”
Children’s mental health has been a growing concern nationwide, with negative impacts being amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. From March 2020 to October 2020, mental health-related emergency department visits increased 24% for children ages 5 to 11 and 31% for those ages 12 to 17 compared with 2019 emergency department visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
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Written by ASHLEY FREDDE, KSL.com.