The Disability Commission hosted and joined Mayor Gary Christenson in kicking off Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from May 7-11. Led by the Chair of the Disability Commission, Marilyn Andrews, the celebration took place at City Hall where Mayor Christenson issued a Proclamation declaring the week Children’s Mental Health Week in an effort to bring awareness to the issue and help increase equitable access to appropriate treatment and support for children, youth and their families. The Mayor was also joined by School Superintendent Ligia Noriega-Murphy in recognizing Erin Craven, Director of Guidance, as well as all our school counsellors for the tremendous work they are doing in the Malden schools. Cambridge Health Alliance was also acknowledged for their work at the Malden High School Teen Health Center.
In Massachusetts, Children’s Mental Health Week is sponsored by the Department of Mental Health and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP). Malden collaborated with the Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) in dedicating the week to increasing public awareness about the triumphs and challenges in children’s mental health and emphasizing the importance of family and youth involvement in the children’s mental health movement. The Disability Commission felt it important to recognize the week in Malden. Last year, the Malden Police Department was highlighted for their initiatives focused on children and for hiring a full-time Mental Health clinician to the Department.
Pictured (from left): School Superintendent Ligia Noriega Murphy; Dr. Ellie Richards, CHA; Roberta Turri Vise, Cambridge Health Alliance; Erin Craven, Malden Public Schools Director of Guidance; Mayor Gary Christenson; Disability Commission Chair Marilyn Andrews; Disability Commissioner Ralph Long; and Ward 3 School Committee Member Jennifer Spadafora