SAMHSA and Cyndi Lauper celebrate youth who overcome trauma and the “Heroes of Hope” who enhanced their resilience at annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day observance

Excerpt from SAMHSA: (click for entire article)

Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality Cyndi Lauper joined the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and more than 130 Federal agencies, programs, and National organizations in celebrating the seventh annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This year, the national event focused on youth who have experienced a traumatic event and the caring adults who have helped them be resilient.

“Young people unfortunately experience trauma every day, but they are resilient and can recover if we provide them the support that they need,” said Lauper. “In particular, homeless gay and transgender youth face unique challenges, like family rejection, and they inspire me with their honesty and bravery to do all that I can to help them overcome those adversities and succeed in life.”

Lauper served as honorary chairperson of the “Heroes of Hope” tribute program held at The George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius presented an award to Lauper for her work on behalf of homeless LGBT youth through her foundation, the True Colors Fund. The True Colors Fund is set to expand its efforts with its newest initiative this June, a national program to raise awareness of the many issues impacting homeless LGBT youth, who account for 20-40 percent of the homeless youth population. The goal of the initiative is to bring an end to the growing epidemic of youth being thrown out of their homes or running away because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. She is also the co-founder and Honorary Chairperson of the True Colors Residence, a project that provides permanent and supportive homes to homeless LGBT youth in New York City.