The Rosecrance Berry Campus will recognize the importance of children’s social and emotional well-being with an open house and art show from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9.The Berry Campus is located at 8616 Northern Ave., Rockford. (click for map and directions.)
The theme for the annual celebration is “What does ‘Help, Hope and Recovery’ Mean to You?” National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is observed annually and promoted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is the leading federal information source for relevant and factual information on behavioral health topics.
The goal of such awareness events is to offer hope to the millions of children, adolescents, adults and families affected by substance abuse and mental illness. According to government research, 4 million children and adolescents in the United States suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairments at school, at home or with peers.
SAMHSA reports that early identification of symptoms and appropriate therapeutic interventions are essential to prevent loss of developmental time in children due to mental disorders. Appropriate actions at the right time can minimize long-term disability, according to SAMHSA.
The consequences of untreated mental disorders in children and adolescents include school failure, juvenile and criminal justice involvement, more health care needs later on and higher suicide rates.
“The goal of our creative exhibit is to give our Berry clients an opportunity to express themselves in healthy ways,” said Charity Shaw-Moyado, administrator at the Berry Campus.
“They have so much to say and give, and often, their artwork and writing offers insight that can help adults around them understand how to provide the right level of care.”
The show is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.