On November 1 President Clinton officially declared November "Child Mental Health Month" in the United States.

In presenting the President’s proclamation, Surgeon General David Satcher underscored its significance: "Daily the news is filled with reports of youth violence, teen substance abuse, and adolescent suicide. More than 10 million children and teens in the United States have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Only one out of five receives proper diagnosis and treatment. Too often, our attitude. . .toward mental health problems is one of blame and stigmatization of the victims, their family members, and their friends. Such reactions add to their burden of hurt, intensify their isolation, and shroud their suffering in secrecy."

APA is a member of the coalition that prompted the President’s declaration of November as "Child Mental Health Month." The coalition, called the National Child Mental Health Initiative (NCMHI), was established by the New York University Child Study Center. In addition to APA, members include the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The President’s announcement coincided with the celebration of the publication of the book Childhood Revealed: Art Expressing Pain, Discovery, and Hope. The book contains artwork by children with depression, autism, psychosis, learning disabilities, eating disorders, abuse, and other mental health problems and reflects their struggles with such disorders. The book was created to help eliminate the stigma surrounding children with such problems. It is edited by Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D., and Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., of the New York University Child Study Center and contains a forward by Katie Couric, host of television’s Today show.

Both the President’s proclamation and the book are being used to launch a nationwide exhibit and awareness campaign about child mental health. An art exhibit of works included in the book will travel to Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and some other areas in the United States.