Candelen

🧠 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

The proposed FY2027 federal budget recommends eliminating Project LAUNCH, a program that helps connect behavioral health, primary care, and early childhood services.

In Arizona, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 helps improve behavioral health and primary care coordination, support early screening for young children, strengthen caregiver-child relationships, and connect families to prevention services.

Without programs like Project LAUNCH, families may not get help until problems become crises.

👉 Tell Congress to protect early childhood mental health programs:
tr.ee/speakupforazbabies

This month, we recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and reaffirm our commitment to equity, access, and understanding.

We also honor the powerful legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, journalist, best-selling author, and tireless advocate, who courageously brought conversations about race, trauma, and mental health into the spotlight. Through her work, she helped illuminate how historical and lived experiences shape mental well-being in marginalized communities.

Now more than ever, it’s important to listen, learn, and take action.

Let’s:
Start honest conversations,
Support culturally competent care,
Amplify voices in our communities,
Break down stigma, together.

Change begins with awareness, but it grows through connection and advocacy.

Let’s use this month and every month, to show up for mental health in meaningful ways.

☀️ Arizona Summer Safety ☀️

June is National Safety Month, and in Arizona, heat and water safety are especially important for young children. 💧

Quick reminders for families and caregivers:
💧 Always supervise children near water
🚪 Install and maintain secure pool fencing
🔒 Keep gates closed and latched
🛟 Designate a “water watcher” during gatherings
🚗 Check the back seat every time
🧴 Reapply sunscreen throughout the day
🥤 Encourage frequent water breaks
🌡️ Watch for signs of overheating
📱 Limit distractions around water

🤽 Drowning and heat-related emergencies can happen quickly. A few simple precautions can make a life-saving difference. 💛

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Arizona summer! 🌵 🌞

Every family deserves to feel seen, supported, and connected.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the importance of creating communities where all children, caregivers, and families feel they belong. 💛