Blue Ribbon Policy Council for Early
Childhood Mental Health

Healthy Minds, Strong Futures Policy Toolkit

Toolkit Sections:

BRPC Toolkit Home

Colorado Opportunities

• House Bill 1451
• Mental Health Special Tax Districts
  

Key Messages

• Invest in young children's social and
  environmental development
• Mental health is fundamental to the overal
  l health and well-being of young children

Resources

• Data and Information
  • Quick facts
    • National data
    • Colorado data
  • Links to other websites
  • References
• Strategies
  • Educate and inform policy makers
    • Meeting with your public officials
    • Testimony
    • Legislative briefing
    • Effective strategies for
      legislative advocacy
  • Getting the word out through the media
    • Public service announcements
    • Letters to the editor
    • OpEd
    • Drop-in article
    • Media alerts and news releases
    • Press conferences
    • T.V. and radio interviews
  • Community awareness: activities and materials
    • Billboards
    • Shopping Carts
    • Community Events and Activities
      

Other Tips

• In the community
• In the classroom
• At colleges and universities
• In faith communities
• Creating and presenting organized and
  compelling speeches
• Creating powerful data presentations
• Overcoming stage fright

About the Blue Ribbon Policy Council

• Members

Key Messages for Healthy Minds and Strong Futures

While there are many important issues related to young children, the Blue Ribbon Policy Council has chosen to focus on two key policy areas:

Invest in Young Children's Social and Emotional Development; and
Mental Health is Fundamental to the Overall Health and Well-Being of Young Children.

The messages developed under these policy areas are supported by data included in this toolkit. If all communities use these messages consistently, supporters of young children will speak with one voice across this state.

Invest in Young Children's Social and Emotional Development: It Makes Sense ¢!

• Investing in young children produces the largest payoff for society because the earlest years of a child's life are a time of opportunity that can improve their later chances of success in life.
• Improving the ability of young children to manage their emotions is critical to increased cognitive and early academic learning.
• Failing to address early warning signs of social and emotional concerns in young children can result in major consequences for these children, their families, and society.
  
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Mental Health is Fundamental to the Overall Health and Well-Being of Young Children: Healthy Minds are as Important as Healthy Bodies!

• Mental health plays a key part in children's healthy development. There are effective treatments, services, and supports that can help children who are identified with mental health issues and those at-risk for them.
• Screening young children early on for mental health concerns is an important first step to ensure that these children receive the treatment, services, and supports they need to have a successful life.
• Primary health care professionals are often the regular point of contact for young children and their families. With proper training, tools, and resources, these professionals can be the first to identify social and emotional issues in young children.
  
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