Dayton Children’s recognizes World Mental Health Day with new film, resources

Dayton Children’s Hospital announces the launch of a new mental health initiative in honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10. At the heart of this campaign is “The Letter,” a moving mini film that captures the emotional impact of mental health struggles on today’s generation. Through this powerful storytelling, the campaign aims to raise awareness, spark conversation and inspire action to support the mental well-being of our children and teens. 

community called to pledge to start the conversation around mental health 

In addition to watching the film, Dayton Children’s is asking the community to pledge to support conversations around children’s mental health.  Those who pledge their support can choose to receive a download with conversation starters to use in their own home or send a pack of conversation cards on their behalf to a family in the community.  

3 more ways to recognize World Mental Health Day 

Additionally, to support Dayton Children’s work to address the growing demand for mental health services, the hospital is asking that on this day the community reads, writes and donates to show their support.  

• Read: Knowledge is power, and education be found in the pages of a book. This reading list curated by the mental health experts at Dayton Children’s, contains ten books to help start the conversation about mental health. These books will help educate and inform the community and can be used for personal reading, educating the public or starting conversations about mental health. 

• Write: A letter is more than just words—it’s a powerful way to open conversations that matter. As part of this campaign, the hospital has created a 'letter library,' offering templates to help the public reach out to their child’s school, mental health advocates, legislators, and more. These letters are designed to spark meaningful dialogue and make it easier to take that first step. 

• Donate: On October 10 (10/10), the hospital is asking the community to consider donating $10 to help do more to elevate mental health and provide resources and services for the kids within the community. Now through June 30, 2025, all gifts to our mental health services program will be included in our Mathile Challenge.   

“The Letter” video and corresponding resources are one element of the ‘elevating mental health’ component of the Do. More. so all kids thrive campaign, which launched publicly last month. To date, the campaign has raised more than $67.5 million to provide the Dayton region’s children with a healthier future.  

“Each one of us has the power to influence what is right in front of us,” said Emily Weitz, licensed social worker and Outreach Coordinator for On Our Sleeves at Dayton Children’s. “Through these resources, we hope to be able to provide actionable, impactful solutions to help our community take control, do their part and start the conversation about youth mental health.” 

World Mental Health Day was established by the World Health Organization and is a day meant to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. 

The full video and resources can be found at childrensdayton.org/theletter .