First Lady Moore Honors Local Student Artist During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

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First Lady Moore Honors Local Student Artist During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

ANNAPOLIS, MD — First Lady Dawn Moore yesterday honored a Montgomery County student for winning the 2026 Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign’s statewide poster contest — which raises awareness about resources available for Maryland youth during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Out of nearly 200 submissions,13 year-old Carina Araujo won the contest with her poster titled “Every Bloom Needs Their Ray of Light.” This celebration reinforces the First Lady’s commitment to advocating for children’s mental health and her service as honorary chair for the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign. 

“I am so proud of Carina for using her voice through art to reduce the stigma around mental health — and encourage her peers to reach for support without fear,” said First Lady Moore. “As First Lady, I am committed to working within our administration to increase access to mental health resources for all young Marylanders. We want our children in the state to know that they are not alone. During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, this initiative is critical in uplifting that message and inspiring our children to speak up during challenging times.”

Since 1995, the annual poster contest has been a core component of the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign created by the Mental Health Association of Maryland. The winning artwork raises awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and emphasizes the campaign’s theme for the year: “No Judgment, Just Help.”

“We urge everyone in Maryland who has concerns about mental health — like stress, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, drug or alcohol use — to call or text 988 or chat to connect with support and local resources,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “The 988 Lifeline is a critical tool and we are proud to partner with First Lady Moore and the Mental Health Association of Maryland to spread awareness of this confidential 24/7 resource.”

At the ceremony held at Government House, Carina’s artwork was highlighted in front of her family, Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Seshamani, Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty, Governor’s Office of Children Special Secretary Carmel Martin and leaders from the Mental Health Association of Maryland and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. During Mental Health Awareness Month, the artwork will be on display through the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign’s website, newsletters, social media, webinars, and community events across the state. 

“By shining a light on mental health through art, our young artists have sent a powerful message that no one has to face these challenges alone,” said Mental Health Association of Maryland Chief Executive Officer Linda Raines. “We are grateful for our young artists and their role in fostering communities of compassion, understanding, and support.” 

Through numerous initiatives, the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign has united thousands of organizations and schools across Maryland to raise public awareness about children’s mental health and substance use, reduce stigma, and connect families, educators, and providers with essential resources.

The Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration has supported the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign for more than 25 years. Since taking office, the Moore-Miller administration has invested over $1.3 billion in mental health services for Maryland’s families. The Maryland Department of Health continues to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and collaborates with local organizations and health departments to enhance accessibility to mental health resources focused on youth mental health, grief and loss, suicide prevention, and resources specifically designed for veterans and their families.

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