Children's mental health is worsening. Globally, millions of children are facing immediate and long-term distress caused by the compounding impacts of the pandemic and mounting global crises.
An estimated 14 percent of the world’s adolescents live with a mental health condition. Despite increased challenges on mental health, on average only 2.1 percent of government spending on health addresses mental health needs. As a result, many children are not receiving enough support to cope with trauma and maintain healthy mental well-being.
That’s why we’re asking you to join us in urging Congress to prioritize investment in children’s mental health and improve lives. Ask your legislators to support the Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act, which would make mental health services a key priority in U.S. foreign assistance.
If Congress fails to pass the MINDS Act in their current legislative session, the bill will have to be reintroduced at the start of the next session in 2023. As challenges intensify, from natural disasters disrupting children’s lives to wars inflicting trauma, mental health conditions will continue to affect children of all ages — now is the time to take action.
As we look ahead to World Mental Health Day on Monday, October 10, you can help protect children’s mental health. When you ask Congress to support the MINDS Act, you’ll make it clear that prioritizing children’s health is non-negotiable — and it needs to happen now.
Use your voice to increase mental health support for children around the world >>
UNICEF USA |
