Hershey Cause to Launch Public Education Campaign to Help Riverside County’s Youngest Children.
First 5 Riverside makes unprecedented investment in children’s mental health needs.
RIVERSIDE, CA – (March 3, 2011)—The facts? One in five children are affected by mental disorders according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, which can contribute to increased rates of violence, drug abuse, school expulsions, suspensions and drop out rates. In response to this need Hershey Cause, a Los Angeles based consulting firm with a long history of success with social marketing campaigns, has been contracted by First 5 Riverside to develop a public education campaign as part of their Mental Health Initiative. First 5 Riverside has invested an unprecedented $11.7 million in the initiative geared towards children 0-5 and their caregivers with an approximate $1.3 million of those funds dedicated to public education focused on prevention.
“This is precisely the type of public awareness work that we at Hershey Cause are so passionate about. We look forward to building a sustainable and dynamic preventative public education campaign to help reduce the risk that Riverside County’s children develop major behavioral and social-emotional problems,” said Dawn Michelle Wilson, Vice President.
The remaining $10.4 million investment funds programs by Riverside County Department of Mental Health and Family Service Association of Western Riverside County that provide early identification screenings and intervention and the training of clinicians on evidenced-based models.
“Hershey Cause is the perfect addition to our initiative as they play the vital role of bridge builders linking parents to mental health information and resources. Their work will not only help de-stigmatize children’s behavioral issues, but also empower parents and caregivers to learn to assess their own children’s development and seek help when needed,” said Harry Freedman, Executive Director of First 5 Riverside.
First 5 Riverside, the Riverside County Children & Families Commission, is a public entity funded by Proposition 10 tobacco tax revenues and established by the County Board of Supervisors in 1999. First 5 Riverside provides funding of early education, health and child care services that help children through age 5 develop a strong foundation for success in school and throughout their lives. For more information about First 5 Riverside programs and other funded services, call 951-248-0014 or Toll Free 800-266-3880 or visit www.rccfc.org <http://www.rccfc.org> .
Hershey Cause is an integrated communications agency that provides comprehensive services to nonprofits, foundations, government agencies and corporations. Hershey Cause is passionate about using communications to raise public awareness of important issues. Founded in 1977, they have more than 33 years of success working with issues relating children and health, with clients such as American Lung Association of California, First 5 LA Para Los Ninos and The Institute of Medicine. Hershey Cause build brands and marketing campaigns that engage audiences motivate action and create brand loyalty that makes lasting social impact. For more information about Hershey Cause, please visit its website: www.hersheycause.com <http://www.hersheycause.com> .
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Dawn Michelle Wilson
310.656.1001 x112
Cell: 310.633.0915
dwilson@hersheycause.com
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