Strong Minds, Bright Futures: A Partnership For Child Mental Wellbeing

10/16/2025

Prevention is power.

Too many children in Pennsylvania can’t get mental health care until they have a formal diagnosis yet many are struggling long before that point.

Our partners at CHOP Policy Lab (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) highlight why removing the diagnosis requirement is a game-changer. By covering preventive mental health services through Medicaid, PA can give children access to screenings, counseling, and supports before crisis. Reducing harm and saving money in the process.

This is exactly why Strong Minds, Bright Futures is fighting for prevention to be one of the five reforms to transform youth mental health in PA.

Read CHOP PolicyLab’s blog: https://policylab.chop.edu/blog/game-changer-kids-behavioral-health-removing-diagnosis-requirement

10/15/2025

Our partners are leading the way in protecting access to care.

On October 16, the NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) will host a virtual discussion on how the “Big Beautiful Budget Act” (H.R. 1) could impact the mental health community, especially cuts to Medicaid that put kids and families at risk.

NAMI Keystone will join in lifting up the voices of Pennsylvanians who rely on prevention, family supports, and mental health services to thrive.

October 16 | 1–3 PM | Microsoft Teams
Register: 830d3649-fe5f-443b-af48-be7449f00989@8a823862-97e2-4f4b-a245-55634a7751bf?fbclid=IwY2xjawNcgxRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxa2FZTU5SeGJ1TElNWlBLAR5Nv0dRZ4QNT4Eu3otf7QxK0rVRnsCUiZUjFl_4yYpBP2QCRGRxxa7WwMMeDw_aem_SJrNTx90jAscQLoN5xAz4Q" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/830d3649-fe5f-443b-af48-be7449f00989@8a823862-97e2-4f4b-a245-55634a7751bf?fbclid=IwY2xjawNcgxRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxa2FZTU5SeGJ1TElNWlBLAR5Nv0dRZ4QNT4Eu3otf7QxK0rVRnsCUiZUjFl_4yYpBP2QCRGRxxa7WwMMeDw_aem_SJrNTx90jAscQLoN5xAz4Q

Strong Minds, Bright Futures is proud to stand with our partners in making sure every child and family has access to care before crisis.

The Pennsylvania Health Access Network is holding a discussion on how the "Big Beautiful Budget Act" (H.R. 1) affects the mental health community, and what you can do to prepare for the changes. This bill includes major cuts to Medicaid. You deserve to know how to take action to protect your care.

When: October 16th
Time: 1-3 PM
Where: Microsoft Teams

To register, please visit this link
830d3649-fe5f-443b-af48-be7449f00989@8a823862-97e2-4f4b-a245-55634a7751bf" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/830d3649-fe5f-443b-af48-be7449f00989@8a823862-97e2-4f4b-a245-55634a7751bf

10/08/2025

Erie showed up last night!

Yesterday, the Strong Minds, Bright Futures Partnership held our 3rd Community Dialogue bringing together families, youth, educators, providers, and leaders across Erie County to lift up what children need to thrive.

Read more from Erie News Now : https://www.erienewsnow.com/news/local/regional-leaders-gather-to-address-youth-mental-health-crisis/article_fe8a1b2d-ca99-4197-b3cc-2ff19910ed66.html

We are deeply grateful to the parents and professionals who care for our kids every day and who shared their voices with us. Your insights are shaping the path forward as we work across Pennsylvania to expand prevention, family supports, and community care.

Together, we’re building a stronger future for every child.

10/07/2025

Happening Today!

Join us for the Erie Community Dialogue on Youth Mental Health!

- Date: Today, October 7, 2025
- Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
- Location: Erie Center for Arts & Technology, 650 East Avenue, Suite 120, Erie, PA

Families, youth, educators, and community leaders will come together to share experiences, discuss barriers, and explore solutions to strengthen mental health supports for children in Erie.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-minds-a-community-dialogue-for-stronger-childrens-mental-health-tickets-1591803409849?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard!

10/03/2025

"Too many of our children are suffering in silence until the pain becomes unbearable. Su***de is now one of the leading causes of death among teenagers — but it is preventable." — Dr. Mary Anne Albaugh, Erie Times-News

In her powerful OpEd, Dr. Albaugh reminds us that prevention and early support are far more effective than waiting until a child is in crisis. Schools, pediatric care, and community programs can play a vital role when given the resources to respond.

Read the full OpEd here: https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2025/10/03/community-dialogue-on-youth-su***de-set-for-oct-7-at-ecat-in-erie-opinion/86481857007/

On Oct 7th, Erie families, educators, and youth will gather at the Erie Center for Arts & Technology to keep this urgent conversation going at a Strong Minds, Bright Futures Community Dialogue.

***dePreventionMonth

10/03/2025

Erie County—Your Voice Matters!

Last week, the PA Department of Education brought together students from 22 school districts to share their voices at the Student Symposium on Agency & Wellbeing. Now it’s time for the whole community to join the conversation.

-Tuesday, Oct 7 | 5–7 PM
-Erie Center for Arts & Technology, 650 East Ave Suite 120, Erie, PA 16503
Dinner provided | Family-friendly | Open to all ages

The Strong Minds, Bright Futures Erie Community Dialogue will bring together families, youth, educators, health providers, and local leaders for a solutions-focused discussion on strengthening children’s mental health.

Your stories, experiences, and ideas can help shape a stronger future for every child in Pennsylvania.

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-minds-a-community-dialogue-for-stronger-childrens-mental-health-tickets-1591803409849?aff=oddtdtcreator



PennAEYC Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services (PCCYFS) Youth MOVE PA Flourish Agenda NAMI of Erie County NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Erie County Department of Human Services Erie Together - Learn, Work, Thrive Erie Center for Arts & Technology United Way of Erie County Stairways Behavioral Health Perseus House Bethesda Lutheran Services Harborcreek Youth Services Sarah Reed Children's Center Fairview School District (Fairview, PA) Erie's Public Schools YMCA of Greater Erie Boys & Girls Club of Erie UnifiedErie Thomas J. Gamble Mercyhurst University Civic Institute Opened Eyes Daria Simon Devlin

Erie Reader GoErie.com | Erie Times-News Erie News Now Erie Events

10/02/2025

Less than a week away!

On Tuesday, Oct 7 (5–7 PM), join us for the Strong Minds, Bright Futures Erie County Community Dialogue at the Erie Center for Arts & Technology. Families, youth, educators, providers, and community leaders will come together to share experiences, lift up solutions, and build a stronger future for children’s mental health in PA.

-Erie Center for Arts & Technology, 650 East Ave Suite 120, Erie, PA 16503
-Dinner provided | Family-friendly, open to all ages

Register today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-minds-a-community-dialogue-for-stronger-childrens-mental-health-tickets-1591803409849?aff=oddtdtcreator

PennAEYC Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services (PCCYFS) Youth MOVE PA Flourish Agenda NAMI of Erie County NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Erie County Department of Human Services Erie Together - Learn, Work, Thrive Erie Center for Arts & Technology United Way of Erie County Stairways Behavioral Health Perseus House Bethesda Lutheran Services Harborcreek Youth Services Sarah Reed Children's Center Fairview School District (Fairview, PA) Erie's Public Schools YMCA of Greater Erie Boys & Girls Club of Erie UnifiedErie Thomas J. Gamble Mercyhurst University Civic Institute OpenedEyes

Erie Reader GoErie.com | Erie Times-News Erie News Now Erie Events

10/02/2025

ICYMI: Families, youth, and leaders came together in Pittsburgh at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation this week to lift up solutions for children’s mental health.

At the Strong Minds, Bright Futures Allegheny County Community Dialogue, participants shared powerful stories of long wait times, programs in need of funding, and the urgent need for prevention, trusted adults, and safe spaces in schools and communities.

“It’s only by all of us coming together that we actually find the solution.” — David Heayn-Menendez

From youth leaders at Alderdice and McKeesport to providers, parents, and county leaders, Allegheny County voices made clear: our children cannot wait. Prevention, family supports, and community/school-based services must be priorities.

Read WPXI’s coverage here https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/families-educators-leaders-gather-downtown-pittsburgh-discuss-youth-mental-health/YGJNKDWI3ZBYFBMJVPEIRRHK5M/

Learn more about our statewide work: strongmindsPA.org

Allies for Children Nami Pittsburgh East Westmoreland County Department of Human Services TribLive Westmoreland Kutamani Developmental Services Trying Together Flourish Agenda Youth MOVE PA Aevidum NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania NAMI McKeesport Area PA Psychological Association Prevent Su***de PA Pittsburgh Post-Gazette WTAE-TV Pittsburgh 90.5 WESA KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh WQED Pittsburgh Tribune - Social Media, Blog, Shop TribLive WJAC-TV News

A free event was held in Downtown Pittsburgh to get people talking about mental health.

09/29/2025

Tonight, we’re gathering at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation for a community dialogue on building a stronger future for children’s mental health.

-Tuesday, Sept 30 | 5–7 PM
-Jewish Healthcare Foundation, 625 Liberty Ave #2500, Pittsburgh, PA
Dinner provided | Family-friendly, open to all ages

Your voice matters! Parents, youth, educators, providers, and community members are invited to share what’s working, what’s not, and what children need now to succeed tomorrow.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-minds-a-community-dialogue-for-stronger-childrens-mental-health-tickets-1591776509389?aff=oddtdtcreator


Children First Nami Pittsburgh East Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Pittsburgh Chapter Pittsburgh Post-Gazette WTAE-TV Pittsburgh Pitt Public Health KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh Westmoreland County Department of Human Services TribLive Westmoreland Kutamani Developmental Services Allies for Children NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania

09/29/2025

Tonight, Indiana County comes together to talk about building a stronger future for children’s mental health.

Monday, Sept 29 | 5–7 PM
IUP – Kovalchick Complex, 711 Pratt Drive
Dinner provided | Family-friendly, open to all ages

Your voice matters! Parents, youth, educators, providers, and community members are all invited to share what’s working, what’s not, and what children need now to succeed.

Register here before it starts: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-minds-a-community-dialogue-for-stronger-childrens-mental-health-tickets-1591608095659?aff=oddtdtcreator

Children First Indiana Area School District Center for Community Growth, Indiana PA Borough of Indiana The Open Door of Indiana, PA Indiana Pa Events & AnnouncementsIndiana County, PA The Indiana Gazette Q***r Folk of Indiana, PA Hopeful Hearts of Indiana, PA Indiana University of Pennsylvania

09/26/2025

David Heayn-Menendez, our Senior Advisor for Communications will be presenting at the Pennsylvania Latino Convention today on Strong Minds, Bright Futures & Children First 's report on the state of Hispanic Children in Philadelphia, Pa’lante.

In the session, David will explore how youth mental health reforms can build momentum in the Latino community and help overcome current challenges.

09/25/2025

Embracing the Light Mural Dedication

Earlier this week, we joined partners at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and Mural Arts Philadelphia to dedicate Embracing the Light a new mural by artist James Burns.

This community-driven project, created through writing workshops, performances, and public paint days, raises awareness about su***de prevention and mental health resources. For young people and families.

Read more here: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/philadelphia/news/st-christophers-hospital-for-children-su***de-prevention-month-mural/

As part of Su***de Prevention Month, we honor the work of all those who helped bring this project to life and recommit to ensuring every child has access to care before crisis.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988.

***dePreventionMonth ***de Children First