Here's how Columbia landmarks will 'go green' for Children's Mental Health Week

Columbia will go green in a different way this week as it observes Children's Mental Health Week.

Several local landmarks will have on or be bathed in green light throughout the week to call attention to the observance. This includes: Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, University of Missouri Hospital, Shelter Insurance Fountain, Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance, Gateway Plaza at Providence and Broadway, MU College of Health Professions (south side Clark Hall, seventh floor), Boone County Family Access Center of Excellence and Boone County Family Resource Center.

Local organizations also will come together noon Thursday at the Shelter Insurance Fountain, 1817 W. Broadway, for a special ceremony including a proclamation from Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and speakers from organizations that provide family and youth services, including mental health.

The ceremony is organized by PHHS, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Columbia and Children’s Grove.

"This community celebration brings together many of the agencies and professionals who serve to promote the social, emotional and mental well-being of our children. It takes a village to raise a child, and we are all proud to be members of that village," said Kim Dude-Lammy, Children’s Grove board president.

Guests to the ceremony are encouraged to wear green and bring a small bell, if possible, to "Ring4Hope," a moment when other across Missouri will ring bells to celebrate Children's Mental Health Week. Green ribbons will be available at the event.

More: After Sandy Hook, Children's Grove sought to improve mental health. Here's what it's done

"The green lights and wearing green ribbons-the color of new beginnings and hope-raise awareness in our communities that behavioral health care is health care for our children and for everyone," said Barb Buchanan, NAMI Columbia support group facilitator.

Organizations attending are asked to bring logo banners for group photos.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at the PHHS offices at 1005 W. Worley St. Organizers will announce on the PHHS Facebook page if the event needs to move due to weather.

From 2023: Here's how Columbia, Boone County organizations raised awareness for Children's Mental Health

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Here's how Columbia landmarks will 'go green' for Children's Mental Health Week