HopeNotes is a program to support children and teenagers receiving care at Children's National Medical Center's inpatient psychiatric unit. 

The goal of HopeNotes is to let kids who are struggling know they are not alone and there are other teens who care about them by sending them cards with messages of support and creating a closet of clothing they may access during their stay. Many children who are admitted to the psychiatric unit don’t have access to any clothing other than a hospital issued gown for the duration of their stay. As such, I am also collecting clothing to donate to children and teens in the unit so they may feel more comfortable.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 in 5 children or adolescents have a diagnosable mental health disorder and the rate of depression and anxiety amongst this group is increasing. Mental health is health. Kids experiencing mental health challenges deserve our support just as much as someone struggling with a physical injury or illness. There is no substitute for the impact that hearing from other kids makes – just know that by giving just 15 minutes of your time, you have the power to help someone who is going through something extremely difficult. Help now and make a difference in someone else's day.