Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and award-winning artist Cyndi Lauper were among the mental health advocates, medical professions and government administrators who honored youth from around the United States—and the adults who supported them— at “Heroes of Hope,” held Wednesday night in GW’s Lisner Auditorium.
The event was in honor of the annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which highlights the importance of caring for every child’s mental health.
Emmy Award-winning ABC 7 News anchor Leon Harris served as host for the event, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a public health agency within HHS.
A number of speakers, including SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy R. Gil Kerlikowske, and Administration for Children and Families Acting Assistant Secretary George Sheldon, spoke about raising awareness for children’s mental health, the influence mentors can have on the lives of young children and the programs and resources their organizations offer.
The event also featured performances by five young people from around the country, who shared their struggles and thanked their “Heroes of Hope” through performances, including dance and poetry.
In his address, Mr. Holder told the audience that more than 60 percent of young people today have been exposed to crime, abuse and violence. He detailed some of the efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice to combat youth violence, including the 2010 Defending Childhood Initiative and the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention, which will be expanded to 10 cities around the United States.
“As attorney general—and as the father of three teenagers—protecting the safety and the potential of our nation’s young people has long been a personal and professional priority of mine,” he said. “Tonight’s gathering is proof of our shared commitment to this cause – and a powerful illustration of the full range of tools and resources we can bring to bear in this fight. Already, thanks to the allies and advocates assembled here, this work is more cooperative, more collaborative and more effective than ever before.”
In her remarks, Secretary Sebelius said children who are suffering can succeed with access to appropriate resources and support, including the influence of positive adult role models.
“People at a young age are particularly vulnerable to trauma. Violence, abuse and neglect can have a profoundly negative impact on a child’s health, on their development and on their success as an adult,” she said. “But as we’ve seen tonight in such powerful stories, with the right support and care, recovery is possible.”
Secretary Sebelius also presented Ms. Lauper, the honorary chairperson for this year’s Awareness Day, with an award for her work on behalf of homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth through her foundation, the True Colors Fund.
Ms. Lauper spoke about her time as a “kid in need” and said adults helped her as a young person, encouraging her to go back to school and “become somebody.” She said bullying and substance abuse are problems many young people face today.
“I’m here because there are some wonderful people doing wonderful programs for kids, and there are kids who are in need,” she said. “No kid should be lost, because they’re our future.”
Ms. Lauper concluded the event with a performance of her hit 1986 song, “True Colors.”