'May is Mental Health Awareness Month' Event: City of Los Angeles Declares May 6 'Children's Mental Health Awareness Day'

Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic Urges Increased Focus on Healthy Development in Early Childhood

LOS ANGELES, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Angelenos observe "Children's Mental Health Awareness Day in the City of Los Angeles" today, thanks to a proclamation introduced by Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks, signed by the mayor and adopted by council in chambers yesterday.  "Positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth," said Councilman Parks, noting the importance that positive social and emotional development has on a child's early development.  Parks was also joined by Councilwoman Jan Perry and Councilman Ed Hernandez in praising Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic – which worked with Parks office on the awareness day effort for a second consecutive year – for its nationally recognized mental health services for children and youth.

Clinic President and CEO Betsy Pfromm thanked Councilman Parks for his leadership on the issue by quoting Frederick Douglas: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men," said Ms. Pfromm, noting that Federal Reserve economists, a Nobel laureate and Rand studies have all documented the cost effectiveness in investing in early childhood services.  "The estimated return – a compelling $4 to $7 for every $1 invested – includes reduced rates of juvenile incarceration, improved graduation rates, and less dependence on public assistance."  

Find Proclamation text and Ms Pfromm's comments at http://www.facebook.com/LAChildGuidance

About Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic:  The mission of the Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic is to provide quality mental health services by ensuring easy access and promoting early intervention.  This is achieved by providing family-centered and culturally sensitive mental health services and specialized educational services to seriously emotionally disturbed children.  

SOURCE Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic