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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">1005 W. Worley St. <br />Columbia, MO 65203</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">May 3, 2024</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Heather Harlan
<br />Health Program Coordinator
<br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
<br />573.817.6404
<br />Heather.Harlan@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Children's Mental Health Week observed May 5-11, community invited to May 9 event</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - In a united effort to focus attention on children’s mental health, a group of community organizations will hold an observance event Thursday, May 9, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Shelter Insurance Fountain, 1817 W. Broadway, Columbia, to declare the week of May 5-11 as Children’s Mental Health Week. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe will be present to read the proclamation. Attendees will hear remarks from speakers who represent organizations serving children and families in Columbia.<br /> <br />Agencies primarily responsible for organizing the May 9 event include Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Columbia and Children’s Grove.<br /><br />"This community celebration brings together many of the agencies and professionals who serve to promote the social, emotional and mental well-being of our children. It takes a village to
raise a child, and we are all proud to be members of that village," said Kim Dude-Lammy, the board of directors president for Children’s Grove.<br /><br />The gathering reminds Columbia that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Part of the observance will be a moment to "Ring4Hope" in which attendees will join others across Missouri to ring bells to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week.<br /> <br />Attendees are encouraged to bring a bell, a lawn chair and a banner or a poster with their agency logo for group photos. Wearing green is encouraged and green ribbons will be available at the event. The event is open to the public and no registration is required.<br /> <br />"The green lights and wearing green ribbons-the color of new beginnings and hope-raise awareness in our communities that behavioral health care is health care for our children and for everyone," said Barb Buchanan, NAMI Columbia support group facilitator.<br /><br />If
needed, the designated rain location will be Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS), 1005 W. Worley St. Organizers will announce on the PHHS Facebook page if the event needs to move due to weather.<br /> <br />Several local landmarks will display green lighting to call attention to the week-long observance. Residents will see green lights as a show of support at Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, University of Missouri Hospital, Shelter Insurance Fountain, Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance, Gateway Plaza (located at Providence and Broadway), the University of Missouri College of Health Professions (south side Clark Hall, seventh floor), Boone County FACE (Family Access Center of Excellence) and Boone County Family Resource Center.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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