WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and SportsCampaign to launch for child mental health system
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Associated Press - December 1, 2009 4:15 AM ET
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Child advocacy groups, mental health organizations, treatment providers and family groups are joining together to fight for improvements to Virginia's child mental health system.
Voices for Virginia's Children will kick off its campaign Tuesday. It will focus on long-term reform, but also will pressure legislators not to cut funding for existing programs when they meet this winter.
Campaign coordinator Margaret Nimmo Crowe says recent improvements in Virginia's mental health system have not addressed services to children.
National studies indicate one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem, but only one in 5 of those receive treatment.
Regional forums and local organizing efforts will begin in the spring.
On the Net:
Campaign Web site: http://www.1in5kids.org
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