Source: Mimi Martinez McKay, M.A., M.L.I.S.

Today marks the start of National Mental Health Month, an observance recognized since 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all.
Here at DSHS and along with some of our very important partners (NAMI, MHAT and the Hogg Foundation) we are supporting this mission through several opportunities to spread the vision of mental wellness including:
• The First Annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Creativity Contest (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhsa/greenribbon/) – winners have been selected and will be announced soon! 
• A Statewide Poetry Contest (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us//mhsa/awareness/mh/poetrycontest2012/): Open to adults with or in recovery from mental illness and their adult family members:         Entries are due by May 14th!

• An exhibit and materials distribution at the Texas State Capitol all next week and special resources in support of Children’s Mental Health Day on May 9th!

• The TX Suicide Prevention App for Smartphones (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ask-prevent-suicide/id419595716?mt=8) is a highlight of the national Suicide Prevention Resource Center web! http://www.sprc.org/

Below are links to some of the resources and information made available by partners across the nation in support of Mental Health Month. Please share the information above and these links with all those in your communities to support this effort!

• Mental Health America is proud to continue its tradition of celebrating "May is Mental Health Month," which began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all.
o This year, we are addressing these important issues through two themes: Do More for 1 in 4 is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives. Download the Toolkit. The second theme, Healing Trauma's Invisible Wounds, focuses on the impact of traumatic events on individuals and communities.  It centers around asking the person-based question: "What happened to you?" Download the Healing Trauma's Invisible Wounds Toolkit.  http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may

• SAMHSA's "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health" public awareness effort was created in 1994 with the mission to increase awareness around children's mental health . The "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health" team works to support SAMHSA-funded sites through the strategic use of social marketing and communications strategies. The overarching purpose of the team is to stimulate support for a comprehensive system of care approach to children's mental health services. http://www.samhsa.gov/children/

•  NAMI is jointly hosting the sixth annual legislative briefing in honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day with the National Federation for Children's Mental Health, Mental Health America and the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. The program will emphasize the critical importance of effective school and community based mental health services for children. http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=policy_news_and_alerts&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=137942 -

• APA’s Mental Health Month Blog Party – May 16, 2012 -- http://www.yourmindyourbody.org/mental-health-month-blog-day/ 
o Mental health affects everyone and everything we do. Yet, mental health is a topic many don’t feel comfortable discussing. Join us on May 16, 2012, to spread the importance of good mental health and reduce its stigma.
o How can you help people recognize the importance of good mental health, overcome stigma, and seek out professional mental health services when needed?
o Join us on Wednesday, May 16, and publish a post on your blog about mental health’s importance, how we can diminish stigma, or the challenges of making lifestyle and behavior changes. Tell your story. Share your experience. Mental health affects everything we do. No matter what you regularly blog about, there’s a way to incorporate mental health.
o Follow @apahelpcenter on Twitter for updates about the blog party and mind/body health. If you want us to easily find your blog or tweet, use the hashtag #mhblogday
o Post an “I’m Blogging for Mental Health” 2012 badge on your blog and help proudly spread the word about the importance of mental health. Just copy and paste the badge code below into your post on May 16 (or even before or after the blog party day