Happy #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth! The theme of this year’s annual celebration is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,” and the NASW Virginia Chapter encourages social workers to use and share new resources available to advance mental wellness.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published a helpful toolkit that offers weekly messages, themes for target audiences, and actions that support greater understanding of the importance of good mental health. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3Uq6x8i.

“Social workers have long played an important role in amplifying Mental Health Awareness Month and behavioral health well-being,” says NASW Metro DC Executive Director Debra Riggs. “As DC and the nation continue to demonstrate record-high levels of teen anxiety and depression, rising suicide numbers, and serious shortfalls in behavioral health funding, it’s more vital than ever that residents know they can turn to trained social workers for help and guidance.”