May 2005 Highlights

Children's Mental Health Week
Children's Mental Health Week is an annual observance designed to increase awareness about children with emotional and behavioral disorders and to educate communities about these disorders and their impact on families. This observance is sponsored by the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, a national, family-run organization dedicated to helping children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life.

Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month is an annual observance designed to increase awareness about mental health and mental illness. This year's theme, "MIND Your Health," spotlights the mind and body connection. It draws upon a growing body of evidence that illustrates the important link between physical and mental health. This observance is sponsored by the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH). NMHA is an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the mental health of all Americans. NCCBH is a nonprofit trade association for providers of mental health and addiction treatment services.

Older Americans Month
Begun in 1963, Older Americans Month is an annual observance held every May to pay tribute to the contributions that older Americans make to the Nation. Each May, local communities participate by hosting ceremonies, events, fairs, and other activities to honor older Americans. This observance is sponsored by the U.S. Administration on Aging, the Federal government agency that provides home- and community-based care for older adults and their caregivers.

CMHS Program Spotlight – Organization and Financing
The Office of Organization and Financing serves the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and its parent agency, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), by providing information on the funding and administration of mental health services. These activities include data collection and analysis, cost estimation, services evaluation, policy assessment, and technical assistance. The office forges relationships with other agencies and collaborates with States, health care providers, consumers, families, and benefits managers to improve the effectiveness of the organization and financing of mental health services.