The Kennedy Krieger Institute is advocating for youth mental health awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month. There is a spotlight on the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially among children and young adults.
Kennedy Krieger Institute Advocates for Youth Mental Health Awareness – CBS Baltimore
The Kennedy Krieger Institute, a non-profit organization based in Baltimore, Maryland, has been a vocal advocate for youth mental health awareness. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the Institute has been working hard to raise awareness about the importance of addressing mental health issues among children and young adults.
As per the Institute, mental health issues are among the most common health problems affecting children and young adults in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that one in five children and adolescents in the US experience a mental health disorder each year. Despite the prevalence of mental health issues among young people, many still do not receive the support and treatment they need to thrive.
The Kennedy Krieger Institute is committed to changing this. Through its various programs and initiatives, the Institute works to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to care for young people with mental health issues.
One of the Institute’s flagship programs is its Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). The Center provides a range of services to children with autism and related disorders, including diagnostic evaluations, behavioral interventions, and parent training. The Center also conducts research on autism and related disorders, with the goal of improving our understanding of these conditions and developing more effective treatments.
The Institute also operates the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD), which provides a range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. These services include diagnostic evaluations, early intervention programs, and community outreach initiatives. The MCDD also conducts research on developmental disabilities, with the aim of improving our understanding of these conditions and developing more effective treatments.
In addition to its clinical and research programs, the Kennedy Krieger Institute is also actively involved in advocacy efforts aimed at improving mental health care for young people. The Institute collaborates with a range of organizations and stakeholders to promote policies and programs that support the mental health needs of children and young adults.
As part of its advocacy efforts, the Institute has also been working to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues among young people. The Institute believes that reducing stigma is critical to improving access to care for young people with mental health issues, as many may be reluctant to seek help due to fear of being stigmatized.
In the final stage, the Kennedy Krieger Institute is a leading voice in the fight for youth mental health awareness. Through its various programs, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts, the Institute is working to ensure that all young people have access to the mental health care and support they need to thrive. As we continue to observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let us all take a moment to reflect on the importance of supporting the mental health needs of our young people, and the critical role that organizations like the Kennedy Krieger Institute play in this effort.
