May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system is working to raise awareness of mental health and the effect mental health has on the lives of all Texans.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and HHS agencies will take part in the 2016 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Walk and Rally starting at 9 a.m., April 30 at the Texas State Capitol south steps, followed by a short march through downtown to Woolridge Square Park where local mental health providers and resources will be on hand to help connect attendees with available services. HHS agencies will also have booths set up in the Capitol throughout the month to provide mental health information to Texans.

“When you treat someone with a mental health condition, you improve the quality of their life and the quality of the lives of their family, friends and co-workers as well,” HHS Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor said.

HHS has instituted Mental Health First Aid training for its employees and first responders across the HHS system. The training helps people recognize the signs of someone who needs help and provides guidance on what actions to take to assist.

The HHS system is also working with other state agencies to promote awareness of programs and make sure Texans who need help from different agencies get help.

“We are making great progress bridging the behavioral health gap between state agencies,” said Sonja Gaines, associate commissioner for mental health coordination. “Through our efforts, we can expect to see improved awareness, access to care and more efficient, coordinated and effective behavioral services delivered through state funded agencies.”

To get help or learn more about mental health symptoms and risks visit mentalhealthTX.org.