Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign
1 in 5 children experience a diagnosable mental health disorder
each year, yet only 20% are identified and receive treatment.
1 in 9 youth aged 13-18 experience a substance use disorder, yet only 7% receive treatment services.
Throughout the year, Maryland Coalition of Families staff work in communities across the state to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and substance use, reduce the stigma of mental health, and connect families, educators and providers throughout Maryland with resources to help children.
We also partner with the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD) to host the statewide Children’s Mental Health Matters! campaign during the first week of May.
The campaign, with more than 500 community and school-based partners across the state, aims to increase awareness of issues around children’s mental health. Each year, Children’s Mental Health Matters! is celebrated with events, workshops, media outreach and other awareness-raising activities.
Materials and resources for your family, school or community are available year-round through the campaign's website at www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org.
The 2025 Children's Mental Health Matters Campaign Poster is Underway!
We’re excited to announce that the Children’s Mental Health Matters poster contest is now open! Each year, we host this contest to invite Maryland students up to age 18 to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the campaign’s 2025 awareness activities.
We’re looking for vibrant, eye-catching designs that emphasize the importance of mental health, promote acceptance, inspire others, and help combat stigma.
All entries must be submitted online. For more details, click the button to see the flyer.
MCF is proud to present the winner of the 2024 Children's Mental Health Matters Campaign poster contest. The 11-year old artist shared that her artwork represents the importance of being kind to yourself. Congratulations to this year's winner!
To request a copy of the poster, please send us an email!