Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

On May 9, 2012, SAMHSA hosted the annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day event spotlighting youth who have overcome trauma and their "Heroes of Hope." The event, held at the Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC, featured Honorary Chairperson Cyndi Lauper, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and other dignitaries. The event was emceed by Emmy award-winning news anchor Leon Harris from ABC 7/WJLA-TV.

Click the play button below to watch performances from the event and highlights featuring some of the evening’s special guests.

This webcast is not recommended for anyone under the age of 14 because there will be candid discussions about young people being exposed to many different types of traumatic events.   This webcast is for informational purposes only and should anyone have health, medical or disability questions or concerns, please consult with a qualified physician or other health care or behavioral health care professional.  If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs to talk please call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).  The youth selected to participate in this celebration of resilience were provided with support during the recruitment, selection and production phases of the event.  A protocol recommended by clinicians was followed to ensure that specific attention was given to the youths' emotional wellbeing.