Hello, I am Dr. Courtney Harvey, Associate Commissioner for the Health and Human Services Commission’s Office of Mental Health Coordination.

We are here today to come together as a community and a state to show support for children’s mental health and to honor the importance of raising awareness for it.

At the Office of Mental Health Coordination in the Health and Human Services Commission, we work hard to collaborate across systems and agencies to ensure everyone — including our children and youth — can access the mental health services and supports they need.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is being celebrated today, but we know the work doesn’t end here.

This year’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day theme is “Power in Numbers,” which speaks to the importance of working together when it comes to providing the best possible care for one of our most vulnerable populations.

We are proud to be a part of the individuals, officials, agencies, and systems that are coming together this May to share resources for children’s mental health, as well as share our stories about why children’s mental health matters.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is being celebrated today, but we know the work doesn’t end here. In the Office of Mental Health Coordination, we will continue to stand up for the mental health care needs of Texas children.

Thank you for standing with us and for standing up for our children.

— Dr. Courtney Harvey