South OC Times

On September 20, 2024, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate September as National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the emotional health and mental wellness challenges faced by children and teenagers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five children in the United States struggles with an emotional, mental, or behavioral disorder, but only 20% of these children receive necessary specialized care.

“America’s youth are in crisis. We must ensure children receive adequate care and the therapeutic and educational resources they need to achieve their dream,” said Congresswoman Kim. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and investing in parents, the pediatric mental health workforce, and targeted programming improves children’s emotional wellness outcomes and livelihoods across American communities. That’s why I’m leading a bipartisan resolution to recognize September as National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month and expand awareness on the importance of children’s emotional and mental health.”

“America’s children are facing a crisis. Suicide has become the 2nd leading cause of death of young people ages 10-14. This horrifying statistic is even more tragic when you consider that all of these deaths may have been prevented with the right intervention,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “There are many causes of this crisis, from the impact of Covid-19 to social media, to increased access to firearms, but we have the capacity to create conditions in which all our children have a shot at happy fulfilling lives. Children who have access to help can thrive. They’ve shown an ability to bounce back and become strong, happy, and resilient. All that is required is for us to break through partisan gridlock and get them the care they need. This resolution is an important step toward that goal and I thank Rep. Kim for her continued partnership on issues of children's health.”

“The Children and Families Coalition of Orange County wholeheartedly endorses this resolution and is eager to collaborate in any way possible to ensure its success,” said Valerie Banks, Project Director at Children and Families Coalition of Orange County. “We believe that this initiative will have a profound impact on the well-being of children in our community and beyond.”

“I could not be more proud to have our organization tied to Children’s Emotional Wellness Month,” said Mara James, Founder and CEO at Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) in Mission Viejo. "Our end goal is to care for the mental and emotional needs of children and their families; it is why we created Children's Emotional Wellness Week which we hope will grow exponentially in future years."

“As you know, the first years of life are crucial in developing a young child," said Sandy Avzaradel M.S., Ed., Director at Start Well. "At the center of this development is attachment with the primary caregiver which provides a secure base for all other development. Social and emotional skills are foundational for developing positive relationships throughout life; they key health and wellness.” She added that Start Well fully supports ELF's work ensuring children receive needed support early on.

“Every child deserves the chance to thrive — nurtured emotionally so they can develop their greatest potential… But too many never get that chance because anxiety or depression goes undiagnosed,” stated Heidi Murkoff, author of What To Expect When You’re Expectingand founder of What To Expect Project.“It’s never too late or early provide support needed by parents & kids.” She emphasized parental mental health impacts child development significantly & voiced her support raising awareness via this resolution.

The full resolution can be read HERE.

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