Resiliency Ring Circles the Statehouse!

On May 4^th, 2010, youth, families, advocates, and other community members gathered to make a human ring around the Statehouse in support of mental health resiliency and strength for Ohio’s children. This was Ohio’s 6th Annual Resiliency Ring in celebration of Children’s Mental Health Day.  The event featured songs, poems and speeches from resilient children and words of encouragement from Director Stephenson, of the Ohio Department of Mental Health.

 Tracee Black-Fall read a proclamation from Governor Ted Strickland declaring May 4, 2010 Ohio’s official Children’s Mental Health Day and Kevin Jennings, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Safe and Drug-Free Schools, U.S. Department of Education, shared his hope for Ohio’s children. Hundreds of youth, young adults, families, and professionals joined hands and jump-ropes to form a human ring around the Statehouse. Most importantly, our youth, young adults and families said they felt their voice was heard. Children’s mental health is an important topic and many families visited legislative offices after the resiliency ring to show a video about resiliency and share their personal stories of resiliency. Advocacy at this level is very important! We were honored to provide the format and materials that enabled families to share their stories with our state leaders.