#UnlockURWell, a first-of-its-kind, pro-mental-health campaign designed by the Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC), launches October 18, 2017 and aims to reach California’s 3.5 million children and families who do not access needed mental healthcare. Stigma, fear, limited funding and lack of awareness are some reasons that three-out-of-four children in need do not access care for mental health issues. #UnlockURWell unleashes the power of social media to eliminate taboos, strengthen families and communities, and connect those in need to accessible mental health services.

#UnlockURWell begins with the launch of www.unlockurwell.org and continues with a  kick-off community event that will help communities engage with the pro-mental-health movement. The campaign is a powerful platform for people to celebrate, discuss and share how they strengthen their mental health and build resiliency. By using the #UnlockURWell hashtag across six digital channels, community members will use messages and images to share personal stories, convey what they do to build wellness, remind others that they are not alone, and communicate about how and where they found help when they needed it most. To make sharing simple and convenient, CFGC is providing a toolkit full of social-sharing tips and resources that can be found at www.unlockurwell.org.

The number of children in California with unmet mental health needs is unacceptably high, and mental health problems are reaching epidemic proportions,” said CFGC President and CEO Roy Marshall. “We know that a community that actively strengthens wellness has the power to overcome stigma and other barriers that prevent people from accessing care. So, it’s time for all of us to work together to promote what makes us resilient and well. We are proud that #UnlockURWell celebrates resiliency.

The numbers back up Marshall’s words. According to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the California Health Care Foundation:

• 3 out of 4 children with mental health care needs don’t access services.
• 1 in 13 children suffer from a mental illness that limits participation in daily activities.
• Nearly 1 in 6 adults has a mental health need.
• 1 in 20 adults suffer from a serious mental illness.

These needlessly high numbers lead to some of our communities’ most concerning – and most avoidable—issues and challenges. Untreated mental health problems are very often an underlying cause of:

• School dropouts
• Crime
• Substance abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Hospitalizations
• Suicide

Anyone with access to the internet can participate in the #UnlockURWell campaign. Those who wish to further support a well community are invited to participate in the #UnlockURWell Kick-off Bash on Saturday, October 21, 2017 in Northridge. Details and tickets can be found here: www.cfgckickoff.eventbrite.com. Or, become an ADVOCATE on the CFGC app, which can be found in the App Store or on Google Play by searching for CFGC.

#UnlockURWell Digital Channels

• Website: www.unlockurwell.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/unlockurwell
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/unlockurwell
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/unlockurwell
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/unlockurwell
• Giphy: www.giphy.com/channel/unlockurwell

 About Child and Family Guidance Center

Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit mental health care organization dedicated to providing outpatient prevention, early intervention and treatment services. CFGC builds resilient communities by helping families unlock their inner strength, providing mental health care, resources and community-based services. Many of these families are from underserved areas with the greatest mental health needs. For more information, please visit www.childguidance.org.