"We applaud U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher for his recent emphasis on America’s mental health needs, particularly for his reports illuminating the need for increased outreach activities aimed at minorities and youth. In fact, Dr. Satcher has reported that the United States is facing a public health crisis in the area of mental health care for children," said DMH/MR Commissioner Kathy Sawyer. "For this reason, the DMH/MR is highlighting the importance of child and adolescent mental health. I have asked the Director of our new Office of Children’s Services, Mr. Steve LaFreniere, to identify several of Dr. Satcher’s recommendations in this and to let Alabamians know that we take those recommendations seriously."

"Dr. Satcher encourages increased awareness about child and adolescent mental health issues to encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment and reduce the stigma associated with these common health conditions," LaFreniere said. "The DMH/MR has included this population in its comprehensive, three-year ‘We Are Alabama’ public education campaign and specifically targeted youth by providing age-appropriate educational materials developed by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill to public school teachers across Alabama."

"The Surgeon General also advises mental health providers to continue to develop, disseminate and implement scientifically proven prevention and treatment services for children’s mental health needs," LaFreniere said. "The DMH/MR continues to design and promote services that are community based, consumer-centered and family-focused. Also, the department continues to develop a comprehensive system of care emphasizing interventions that are creative, flexible and yield lasting outcomes for at-risk youth with serious emotional disturbances."

"Two of the most important recommendations offered by Dr. Satcher are improving the assessment and recognition of mental health needs in children, and eliminating racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in access to services," LaFreniere said. "The DMH/MR recognizes that both of these issues are of paramount importance. Across Alabama, I’m proud to say that mental health professionals can be found in the schoolhouse, the courthouse, in preschools, and other state agencies that serve children in an attempt to intervene as early as possible. Earlier intervention and prevention efforts drastically improve treatment success rates and help reduce the likelihood that children will experience mental health problems as adults. Furthermore, these nontraditional settings help ensure that greater accessibility can be achieved."

LaFreniere noted that DMH/MR statistics indicate over 20,000 children/adolescents presented for services at mental health centers around the state in 2000. "That number is nearly twice what it was ten years ago," he said. "Parents and/or guardians concerned that their child might need mental health care should see their pediatrician or local mental health center for an evaluation for services."

RESOURCES

Contact the DMH/MR Bureau of Mental Illness Community Programs for contact information for your local community mental health center at (334) 242-3200.

Contact the DMH/MR Office of Children’s Services at (334) 242-3200.