Cyndi Lauper, SAMHSA to Honor Youth Who Overcame Trauma and the "Heroes of Hope" Who Enhanced Their Resilience

Lauper to be joined by HHS Secretary, SAMHSA Administrator, and other dignitaries at May 9 tribute event in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality advocate Cyndi Lauper will join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to celebrate the seventh annual National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) at the "Heroes of Hope" Tribute event on May 9 in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will present Lauper with an award for her work on behalf of homeless LGBT youth through her foundation, the True Colors Fund. Together with SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde and Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration on Children, Youth and Families George Sheldon, they will honor youth from across the country who have overcome trauma, as well as their Heroes of Hope—family members, providers, and the community members—who have helped them. Joint Surgeon of the National Guard Bureau Major General Joseph K. Martin, Jr., will be among the dignitaries at the event.

Emmy Award-winning news anchor Leon Harris from ABC-7/WJLA-TV will emcee the tribute. The program will feature stories of resilience from youth across the country and performances in tribute to their Heroes of Hope, the caring adults that have helped enhance their resilience following traumatic experiences. Preceding the event, there will be a reception sponsored by the Child Mind Institute, featuring an art exhibit with artwork from students across the country sponsored by the American Art Therapy Association.

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is SAMHSA's annual observance of the importance of caring for every child's mental health. More than 130 public and private organizations and more than 1,100 communities across the country will participate in local events and activities in celebration of Awareness Day.

WHAT: SAMHSA presents National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day 2012: Heroes of Hope

WHEN: Wednesday, May 9, 2012
5–7 p.m., Art Exhibit and Reception
7:30–9:30 p.m., Heroes of Hope Tribute

WHERE: George Washington Lisner Auditorium
730 21st Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20052
Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU (Orange and Blue Lines)

TICKETS: The event is free and open to the public; visit www.awarenessevent.org to reserve your tickets.

MEDIA: To attend the event or request an interview, please contact Rachael Siefert at (202) 248-5466.

For more information about Awareness Day and to view the list of collaborating organizations, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/children. Follow #HeroesofHope to join the conversation about National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day on Twitter.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

SOURCE Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)