BACKGROUND
Every child, no matter where they live, deserves to live a safe, happy and healthy life. Being mentally healthy is no exception.
Today, a record number of children – 1 in 6 – are living in war zones around the world. Unfortunately, 14% of the world’s children and adolescents are struggling with depression, anxiety and other stress related conditions. We’re seeing more children facing unimaginable mental and physical trauma than ever before. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're putting a spotlight on mental health and psychosocial support for children and caregivers around the world.
THE MINDS ACT
We have a chance to invest in children's mental health by urging Congress to support the Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act.
The MINDS Act would prioritize mental health and psychosocial support within U.S. foreign assistance through a commitment to mainstreaming mental health and psychosocial support in U.S. government-funded assistance and making it more effective.
- The MINDS Act would seek to prevent and treat mental health disorders.
- It would promote the psychosocial well-being of children and families around the world living in adversity.
- It would prioritize children living in poverty or conflict zones.
- It would support best practices in the field of mental health and psychosocial support and lay the groundwork for a global mental health strategy.
- The MINDS Act would emphasize the needs of specific at-risk populations such as children, women and girls.
AMPLIFY OUR MESSAGE
Join Save the Children Action Network in calling on leaders to make children's mental health a priority, because every child deserves to grow up happy and healthy.
Suggested social media copy
Primary Hashtag: #MINDSAct
Secondary Hashtag: #InvestInKids
- Did you know️: 22% of children living in conflict have or experience a mental disorder? We must invest in global mental health to support these children and their intellectual development. Join me in urging Congress to pass the #MINDSAct. https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/actions/help-fight-the-global-mental-health-crisis-for-kids/
- Sadly, almost a quarter of the world’s children and adolescents are struggling with depression, anxiety and other stress related conditions. We have a chance to change this with the #MINDSAct. Learn more --> https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/actions/help-fight-the-global-mental-health-crisis-for-kids/
- A record number of children are now facing mental and physical trauma than ever before. Unfortunately, less than 1% of global health assistance has been designated to address it. We can change this. Urge Congress to support the #MINDSAct! https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/actions/help-fight-the-global-mental-health-crisis-for-kids/
- We know strong mental health is crucial to a child’s development. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m calling on @XXX to co-sponsor the #MINDSAct which would promote mental health and psychosocial support for children worldwide.
- Investing in mental health can help break the cycle of poverty. This year for Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m encouraging @XXX to co-sponsor the #MINDSAct to ensure kids worldwide can grow up healthy and happy.
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