DATE: April 30, 2015
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Broward County
Linda Raybin or Scott Silverman
954-357-8647
lraybin@broward.org or ssilverman@broward.org
Broward Behavioral Health Coalition
Emery Cowan or Silvia Quintana
954-622-8121
ecowan@bbhcflorida.org or squintana@bbhcflorida.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - In recognition of May 7th as National Children's Health Awareness Day, One Community Partnership2 (OCP2), a collaborative initiative between Broward County and the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, will host several children's mental health activities throughout the month. OCP2 is a System of Care program in Broward County that helps young people 14-21 years old who have emotional and mental health challenges that include substance abuse and other complex issues. The program is funded through a planning grant to the Broward County Commission from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
OCP2, in collaboration with the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, Broward County Human Services Department, Children's Services Council of Broward County, South Florida Wellness Network, and Concordia Behavioral Health will host several free programs that include:
• May 5th - 10AM, Proclamation Presentation
Broward County Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Broward County Commissioners Dale V.C. Holness and Lois Wexler will present a proclamation designating May as Broward County Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation recognizes the importance of residents and organizations working together to promote awareness of children's mental health.
• May 7th - 4 - 7PM, National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day Celebration
South Florida Wellness Network, 321 SE 18th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Event features a "Stomp out Stigma" performance as well as an open mic/talent show and awards ceremony focused on wellness and recovery for youth and their families.
• May 8th - 29th - inSIDE/OUT! Art as Healing Therapy Exhibition
Artserve, 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
Monday-Friday, 9AM - 8PM and Saturday, 10AM - 3PM
The exhibition showcases the arts as a means to help people work through emotional challenges. Artwork from youth is displayed along with that of professional artists. A reception will be held on Thursday, May 14th, from 6 - 8PM and features music and other performing arts.
Research has shown that young adults taking part in community-based treatment and wellness programs achieve positive outcomes in behavioral and emotional health, daily life skills, employment, enrollment in school and reduced homelessness. According to Silvia Quintana, Chief Executive Officer of the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, "Awareness Day and Mental Health Month activities provides our community with an opportunity to celebrate what a positive impact we can all have on children, youth and families when we focus on developing resilience and wellness from an early age."
Kimm Campbell, Deputy Director of the Broward County Human Services Department and Chair of the OCP2 Leadership Council commented that "Broward County has supported children's mental health awareness initiatives for many years. Through OCP2, this year's exciting activities will highlight the talents of some extraordinary young people and their contributions to the fabric of our community."
To learn more about OCP2, visit Facebook.com/OCP2Broward, follow us on Twitter @ ocp2broward or visit our website at ocp2.org.
About Broward County Human Services
The Department seeks to enhance the quality of life for Broward County residents through innovative and integrated health and human services programs. It's developed partnerships with the public and private sectors to provide assistance in a coordinated, comprehensive, community based, and consumer-directed manner. Self-reliance is the goal of helping people get back on their feet. When a resident has access, information, education and economic stability, they are able to be more productive and can contribute to and participate in the community in which they live.
About the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition
The Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, Inc. (BBHC) was created in 2011 and was selected by the Florida Department of Children and Families as Broward County's managing entity for mental health and substance abuse services. BBHC seeks to advocate and ensure an effective and efficient behavioral health system of care is available in Broward County. BBHC is committed to the provision of services that are consumer driven, culturally competent, compassionate, and efficiently managed in an innovative system with fiscal integrity.