Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy: Transforming Mental Health for Children and Families is 2004 Focus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jon Moor, 404-420-5107

Focus on Children at Mental Health Symposium, Nov. 9-10, The Carter Center

ATLANTA…Millions of American adults who have mental illnesses are leading lives of quiet desperation. For many, their conditions began when they were children, but there was no help for them then. It doesn't have to be that way today. Research proves that early detection and treatment are effective and often pave the way to recovery. However, a recent presidential commission (click here) found that the nation's mental health system for children is broken. Achieving progress depends on political resolve and funding. This year's Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy will encourage the improvements that ensure children with mental illnesses and serious emotional disturbances grow to be productive citizens who live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.

Highlights of the symposium include:

• Rosalynn Carter opening and closing remarks
• Young people sharing experiences within the system
• Controversy: anti-depressants and children

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The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 65 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers to increase crop production. Please visit www.cartercenter.org to learn more about The Carter Center.