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Governor Spencer Cox Declares May 7 as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in Utah
Proclamation underscores growing need for early childhood mental health services and access to care statewide
SALT LAKE CITY – May 7, 2026 – As part of ongoing efforts to prioritize children’s mental health, Governor Spencer J. Cox has declared May 7, 2026, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in Utah in partnership with The Children’s Center Utah. This marks the fifth year Governor Cox has recognized a day in May dedicated to raising awareness of early childhood mental health. This recognition comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to elevate understanding and reduce stigma around mental health.
“Mental health challenges can affect children at a very young age, and early support can make a lasting difference,” said Governor Cox. “We are committed to strengthening partnerships and improving access to care so children and families across Utah can get support when they need it.”
Across the country, children’s mental health remains a growing concern. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that 72% of U.S. counties lack a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist, a clear indicator of the gap between increasing need and access to care.
This need is reflected in Utah, where, as of 2024, suicide is the leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These realities underscore the importance of early intervention and expanding access to mental health services to protect young lives and support resilience across communities.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, feel safe, and build healthy relationships from the very start,” said Rebecca Dutson, president and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah. “This proclamation in Utah is an important reminder of how critical early mental health support is, and as the need continues to grow, we are working to expand access to effective care for young children and their families to help bridge the gap in services, particularly in rapidly growing communities like Utah County.”
The Children’s Center Utah—the only organization in Utah providing trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health care treatment exclusively to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents and caregivers—continues to highlight the critical need for additional education and resources for Utah’s children and families facing mental health challenges.