WASHINGTON – “Everyone who needs help should receive help.” This is the simple message that underscores the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. The campaign was launched in 2023 through the efforts of the chairmen of two committees in response to growing concerns in mental and behavioral health to raise awareness among Catholics nationwide on the many facets of mental health. In addition to raising awareness, the ongoing efforts of the initiative are to combat the stigmas associated with this issue and to advance wise, compassionate, and effective public policy in response to this growing crisis in our nation. 

 

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10, and here in the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will begin nine days of focused prayer, teaching, and actionable steps to engage more intentionally on mental health issues. While the campaign is a year-round effort, the novena will run October 10-18, concluding on the feast of Saint Luke, the patron of health care.

 

Information and resources about the USCCB’s National Catholic Mental Health Campaign may be found at: https://www.usccb.org/mentalhealth. Catholic dioceses are encouraged to share the information with their parishes with a special emphasis on Mental Health Sunday, October 13, as it falls in the midst of the nine-day renewal effort and is an opportunity to promote and support the efforts of local mental health programs.