Prince Frederick, Md. – Calvert County will celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with the fourth annual Chalk the Walk event from May 4 to May 10, 2025, encouraging residents to decorate public sidewalks with chalk messages and artwork to promote children’s mental health. The Calvert County Family Network (CCFN) and Department of Parks & Recreation, partnering with Calvert County Public Schools, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Calvert Library, CalvertHealth, Calvert County Behavioral Health, the Local Behavioral Health Advisory Council, and local businesses, aim to raise awareness about youth mental well-being and reduce stigma through this community-driven initiative.
Families, schools, businesses, and community groups are invited to participate by using sidewalk chalk to write encouraging messages or draw uplifting images at home, school, or workplace pavements. Participants can share their creations on social media with the hashtag #CalvertMentalHealthMatters to spread awareness. The event highlights the critical role mental health plays in how children think, feel, and act, affecting their ability to manage stress, build relationships, and navigate challenges. Open conversations about mental health help reduce stigma, making it easier for children and families to seek support.
The weeklong event will transform public spaces like parks, school grounds, and library areas into vibrant displays of hope and support. Past Chalk the Walk events have featured messages such as “You Are Strong” and drawings of stars and smiles, created by students, families, and businesses. The initiative’s simplicity—requiring only chalk and a surface—ensures broad participation across all ages. Residents can contact the CCFN at 410-414-5997 for details on participation and designated chalking locations.
Calvert County provides numerous resources for youth and families facing mental health challenges, accessible at www.OurCalvert.org or through the Local Care Team at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/LocalCareTeam. Additional information on children’s mental health is available at www.ChildrensMentalHealthMatters.org/find-help/parents-families/. These resources connect families to counseling, crisis intervention, and support groups, addressing needs heightened by a 20% rise in student counseling referrals since 2022, as reported by the Calvert County Health Department.
Partner organizations enhance the event’s impact. Calvert County Public Schools incorporate chalking into student activities, fostering peer support. CalvertHealth and Calvert County Behavioral Health provide expertise on accessing mental health services, while the Sheriff’s Office and businesses host chalking sites and promote the hashtag. The Local Behavioral Health Advisory Council emphasizes reducing stigma to encourage help-seeking among youth.
Chalk the Walk aligns with Calvert County’s commitment to mental health, complementing initiatives like school-based counseling and crisis response programs. Designated chalking stations at Calvert Library branches and county parks will offer free supplies, with displays visible throughout the week, weather permitting. Businesses, including local shops, will join by decorating their sidewalks, creating a county-wide network of support.
The event supports national Mental Health Awareness Month goals, empowering residents to advocate for youth mental health through creative expression. By fostering community unity and promoting accessible resources, Chalk the Walk reinforces Calvert County’s dedication to ensuring no child or family faces mental health challenges alone.
