Just over a year ago when CANDLE celebrated our 40th Anniversary, our CEO made a promise that we would continue to find ways to support the children of our community. Since then alarming statistics have been released about the mental health of young people in our country.
- Half of all lifelong mental disorders start by age 14
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth aged 10-24
- 20% of children in the UIS have a mental health diagnosis and 40% will meet criteria for mental health diagnosis by age 18
Yet only 8-11% of children in the US get mental health treatment
In Rockland County, we know this is due to a lack of available mental health providers. So in an effort to increase the availability of mental health services for children, CANDLE started the process to open a mental health clinic. We have the great fortune of being able to open this May, during Mental health Awareness Month!!
But this is just the beginning... we need your help!
A one time or recurring donation to our Children's Mental Health Fund allows us to eliminate cost as barrier to the life changing and life saving mental health services that our children need.