Demi Lovato, SAMHSA to highlight new strategies proven to help young adults with mental health and substance use challenges

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chart-dominating singer, songwriter and actress Demi Lovato will join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to celebrate the eighth annual National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) at a press briefing on Tuesday, May 7, at the University of the District of Columbia Community College in Washington, DC.

At the press briefing, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will present Lovato with an award for her work as a mentor to young adults with mental health and substance use challenges. Together with SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, they will focus on the importance of social connectedness—a sense of community—in enhancing resilience in young adults with mental health and substance use challenges at home, school, work, and in accessing health care services.

During the briefing, announcements will be made about upcoming federal initiatives on children's mental health, and the findings from a new report on the efficacy of community-based programs in improving the lives of older adolescents and young adults with mental health and substance use challenges. 

Awareness Day is SAMHSA's annual observance of the importance of caring for every child's mental health. The press briefing is a launch event for activities being held across the country on Awareness Day, which will be observed nationwide on Thursday, May 9. 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 2013 press briefing

WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 2013
10–11a.m.

WHERE: The University of the District of Columbia Community College Auditorium
4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW.
Building 46
Washington, DC 20008
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red Line)

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

WEBCAST: The event will be available via live Webcast at www.samhsa.gov/children.

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 Awareness Day on Twitter.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.  SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

SOURCE SAMHSA