Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Supports The On Our Sleeves® Movement For Children’s Mental Health by Recognizing May 31 as Conversations With Kids Day

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – In honor of national Mental Health Awareness Month, The On Our Sleeves Movement For Children’s Mental Health and Nationwide Children’s Hospital announce Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has issued a proclamation recognizing Wednesday, May 31, 2023 as Conversations With Kids Day. 

When it comes to children’s mental health and wellness, family conversations are key to gaining insight into what children are thinking and feeling, discovering problems and working toward solutions together. As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, it’s critical these conversations about mental health continue every day. The behavioral health experts at On Our Sleeves say it’s increasingly important for parents to have routine, mindful conversations with their children to build healthy relationships, learn about problems, identify solutions, and build confidence. 

Parents and caregivers need the education to understand and the resources to support their child’s mental health. On Our Sleeves has developed Operation: Conversation to help families start to have those important conversations.

“We are thrilled to have Governor Mike DeWine’s support for On Our Sleeves with his official recognition of Conversations With Kids Day,” said Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of On Our Sleeves and pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Not only are one in five children living with a significant mental health concern, but all children experience strong emotions and difficult moments. With this proclamation, the governor is helping us achieve our mission of providing free educational resources that break stigmas, increase mental health literacy and educate on the habits and skills necessary to support children’s mental health.”

Nearly 1,000 mental health professionals and researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with other trusted experts, provide their real-world knowledge and expertise to power The On Our Sleeves Movement For Children’s Mental Health, which envisions a world where mental health is part of the upbringing of every child.

The State of Ohio has invested in supporting mental health services for Ohio’s children, and the governor’s recognition of Conversations With Kids Day displays a continued effort to raise awareness for On Our Sleeves and children’s mental health.