2018 Awareness Day Final Report AD2018_FinalReport_FINAL | Page 6

First Spouses: Children’s
Champions Across the Country
SAMHSA collaborated with state mental health commissioners around the country to identify
governors’ spouses who are addressing trauma-informed care and children’s mental health
issues. Six of these first spouses, along with the Executive Director of the National Congress of
American Indians (NCAI), attended Awareness Day 2018 as Honorary Chairpersons. Secretary
Azar presented each of them with SAMHSA’s Special Recognition Award.
Tonette Walker, the first lady of Wisconsin, is a leader among first spouses in trauma-informed
care. Her Fostering Futures initiative has helped every county in her state develop trauma-
informed programs and initiatives. Mrs. Walker said, “Everyone needs to be trauma-informed and
understand what that means—from the bus driver, to the lunch aide, to the school administrator,
and even the governor.”
Kristin Cooper, the first lady of North Carolina, told attendees, “The good news is that we can
prevent damage and heal children who have experienced toxic trauma to help them develop
into healthy productive adults.” Her experience as a guardian ad litem for children in foster care
inspired her efforts to address children’s mental health.
Jacqueline Pata from NCAI took the opportunity to highlight mental health challenges facing
American Indians and Alaska Natives. She spoke about the importance of considering culture
and community when treating children and young adults: “One thing that we know about Indian
country is that culture matters. A strong sense of self and purpose is important for mental
health.”
Top: First Lady Kristin Cooper of North Carolina speaks at National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
Middle: HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar II presents the SAMHSA Special Recognition Award to First Lady Tonette
Walker of Wisconsin.
Bottom: National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Director Jacqueline Pata speaks at
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
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