WHEREAS, the health and safety of all Virginians is essential to the prosperity and welfare of our Commonwealth’s families and communities, and it is important to recognize that mental health is a critical component of children’s learning and overall health; and

WHEREAS, addressing the complex mental health needs of children, youth, and families is fundamental to securing the future of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the National Federation of Families National Children’s Mental Health Awareness theme is “Beyond the Screen: Education, Prevention, Connection,”; and

WHEREAS, 19 percent of youth in Virginia experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year, and 48 percent of those youth did not receive mental health services; and

WHEREAS, the need for comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for children, youth and families represents a critical shared responsibility of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, all Virginian’s share in the responsibility of ensuring that all children and adolescents have positive experiences, 79 percent of children and adolescents nationwide report having at least one adult positive influence; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that a day should be set apart each year for the acknowledgement of our children’s mental health and well-being; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 7, 2026, to be CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.