The Child Mind Institute Announces 2021 Change Maker Awards

Uzziah Campbell, Blue Shield of California, National PTA honored for bringing awareness to children’s mental health

NEW YORK, NY, September 15, 2021 – The Child Mind Institute today announced that Uzziah Campbell, Blue Shield of California, and National PTA are the recipients of the nonprofit’s 7th annual Change Maker Awards. The awards celebrate individuals and organizations creating real, meaningful change for children who struggle with mental health and learning disorders. The awards will be presented virtually in the interest of safety.

The Child Mind Institute congratulates and recognizes this year’s honorees for their outstanding work bringing awareness to children’s mental health:

• 2021 Community Builder Award | Uzziah Campbell, owner and founder of Calm & Cure Candle Co.

Calm & Cure Candle Co., LLC, was established in 2020 by Uzziah Campbell, then age 11, to “calm” the world by bringing light into people’s anxious and fear-ridden dark places. Uzziah had a vision of helping those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and trauma brought on by the pandemic and racial injustice.  

“It’s an honor to receive a Change Maker Award from the Child Mind Institute because it lets me know that I’ve made someone’s day, made people smile and helped people change,” Uzziah said. “It means a lot to me.”

The Child Mind Institute traveled to Uzziah’s home in Texas to meet the young social entrepreneur and learn about what inspires him. You can watch the moving videohere.

• 2021 Corporate Advocate Award | Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The BlueSky program boosts access to mental health support for youth by funding school and community programs and providing educational resources for parents and educators.  

“Leading with equity, Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative seeks to be a change maker by enhancing access, awareness and advocacy for youth mental health supports,” said Antoinette Mayer, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Blue Shield of California. “We are honored to receive this award, and look forward to our continued collaboration with the Child Mind Institute to expand mental health services for California youth.”

• 2021 Outstanding Organization Award | National PTA

NationalPTA is a nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. 

“National PTA is honored to be recognized by the Child Mind Institute with its 2021 Outstanding Organization Change Maker Award,” said Anna King, president of National PTA. “Mental health is always among the most pressing issues to address, and especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our association remains committed to raising awareness of the importance of mental health being an everyday priority, advocating for improved mental health programs and services, and providing resources to support the mental health and social and emotional well-being of all students and families, which is critical to help them reach their fullest potential.”

“Each of the 2021 Change Maker Award recipients is, in their own way, changing the way our society thinks about children’s mental health,” said Child Mind Institute President and Medical Director Harold S. Koplewicz, MD. “The pandemic has reinforced the necessity of acknowledging and addressing the mental health challenges so many of us are trying to navigate, especially in these remarkably stressful and uncertain times. Our honorees are helping to advance the cause of children’s mental health by taking action that is providing hope and improving lives.”

About the Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Our teams work every day to deliver the highest standards of care, advance the science of the developing brain, and empower parents, professionals and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most. Together with our supporters, we’re helping children reach their full potential in school and in life. We share all of our resources freely and do not accept any funding from the pharmaceutical industry. Learn more at childmind.org.

About Calm & Cure Candle Co.
Calm & Cure Candle Co., LLC, was established in 2020 by then-11-year old Uzziah Campbell. Uzziah had a vision of helping those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and trauma brought on by the pandemic and racial injustice. He felt that candles were the answer because he watched his mother, who had been diagnosed with PTSD, use candles and essential oils to ease her symptoms. Uzziah first started making candles to burn at home for his mother, and then to share with friends and family. The feedback he received encouraged him to give his candles a name and start his own company, where he makes giving back a priority through philanthropic contributions. Uzziah hopes to be known throughout the world for bringing calm and effecting change.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax-paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.5 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $21 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $150 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last four years to have an impact on California communities.

About National PTA
®National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.