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 in this area.

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 — are able to access the mental health services and supports they need.

This year’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day theme is “Staying Connected: Plugged into Children’s Mental Health,” which speaks to the importance of continuing to work together in a digital environment to provide the best possible care for one of our most vulnerable populations. We are proud to be a part of people 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 and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Thank you for standing with us and for standing up for our children and youth.

— Associate Commissioner Dr. Courtney Harvey