Author | Lightnews

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Sep 9

Erie County, join us Oct 7!

We’re hosting a community dialogue on children’s mental health at the Erie Center for Arts & Technology (5–7 PM). Families, youth, educators, and providers, your voice matters.

Family friendly event

Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-min...

#StrongMindsPA #EriePA

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Sep 4

Our August newsletter is live!

Inside: youth voices, partner stories, and resources to make this school year stronger.

Read it here strongmindspa.org/project/augu...

#StrongMindsPA #BackToSchool #PreventionIsPower #YouthMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Sep 2

Too often, children only get mental health care after crisis.

We’re pushing for Medicaid to cover preventive services such as screenings, peer support, and targeted supports so children get help before crisis.

#StrongMindsPA #PreventionIsPower #YouthMentalHealth

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Sep 2

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Every child deserves care and connection. Together, we can prevent suicide by ensuring children across PA get the support they need before crisis.

#StrongMindsPA #SuicidePreventionMonth #YouthMentalHealth #PreventionIsPower #StopSuicide

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Aug 26

The Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania unites 24 rural counties to expand youth mental health services. From tele-mental health to recovery supports, BHARP ensures rural PA get the care they need.

Every child deserves prevention, connection, & support no matter their ZIP code.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Aug 26

Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YLAB) is building strong minds and strong leaders.

Through Teen Mental Health First Aid, mentoring, & more teens gain the skills to support their peers & lead with confidence.

Free for ages 15–18 | Apply by Oct 31, 2025
youthinfusioninc.com/ylab-youth-leadership

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Aug 25

Back-to-School is Mental Health Season
Schools are frontline spaces for prevention & support. Families play a key role too.

Check out the Back-to-School resources by our partner, NAMI Chester: nami.org/BackToSchool

#StrongMindsPA #BackToSchool #PAkids #PreventionIsPower

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Aug 12

YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Focus Areas: Education & Workforce Development | Youth & Women’s Empowerment | Advocacy & Equity | Community Wellness

#StrongMindsPA #YW3CA #YouthEmpowerment

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 29

Partner Spotlight: No Longer Bound is empowering communities through prevention, education, and youth development.

Their school & community-based programs reduce substance use risks and build self-esteem, life skills, and positive motivation in youth.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 25

Our July newsletter is here! Read it now: strongmindspa.org/media/newsletters/

This month’s issue is packed with updates from across PA.

Whether you're a policymaker, parent, provider, or advocate, there’s something inside for you.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 24

Meet Dr. Abigail Schlesinger, Co-Chair of the Partnership!

As a UPMC child psychiatrist, she’s helped embed mental health care into pediatric offices across PA—making support easier to access for kids and families.

We're grateful for her leadership in shaping the future of youth mental health.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 23

Your voice could shape youth mental health policies across Pennsylvania. Say something that matters!

-Join the Virtual Teen Listening Session on July 30
-Register here: bit.ly/4lKXzPf

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 18

Spotlighting Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition! PaPSC empowers those with lived experience in mental health & substance use.

Focus:
-Peer Support Services
-Training & Education
-Advocacy & Policy
-Wellness & Empowerment

#PeerSupport #YouthMentalHealth

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 11

We’re spotlighting Youth MOVE PA, a statewide organization dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health & empowering youth to advocate for their own wellness. YMPA gives youth a platform to share their lived experiences and push for system changes that prioritize mental health care.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 10

Recently Marcus Allen spoke with ABC 27 about the devastating $1 billion cuts to school-based mental health services in PA. We must work to ensure all children have access to mental health care.

www.abc27.com/local-news/1...

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 7

Teens across PA! We want to hear from you! Join us for a Virtual Youth Listening Session on Zoom July 30th, 4–5PM.

Register: bit.ly/4lKXzPf
Deadline to register: July 23rd

Be part of shaping the future of teen mental health in PA.

#MentalHealthMatters #YouthAdvocacy #YouthMentalHealth

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 3

This week, we spotlight NAMI Keystone, an organization working for 40+ years to improve lives by reducing stigma, educating communities, and empowering individuals to get the support they deserve.

Key Focus Areas:
Education
Advocacy
Support
Stigma Reduction

#YouthMentalHealth

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jul 1

Yesterday, families & advocates rallied to oppose proposed Medicaid cuts.

Kate Fox, Assoc. Dir. at Children First said, “We are not just fighting for a program. We are not just fighting for health insurance. We are fighting for our babies and their futures."

www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia...

Advocates, families rally against Medicaid cuts in Philadelphia: "It's a lifeline"

Advocates and families gathered at Philadelphia's City Hall to protest possible cuts to Medicaid.

www.cbsnews.com

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Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jun 27

Many young men lack the support needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Early intervention & consistent care are key to helping them build resilience and develop healthy connections.

#YouthMentalHealth #SMBF #AccessToCare #MentalHealthReform #MensHealthMonth

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jun 26

As Men’s Health Month ends, it's vital to address young men's mental health in PA. Many you men struggle in silence because mental health services are not accessible. Schools are ideal sites to provide support so young men can build healthier futures.

#MensHealthMonth #YouthMentalHealth

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jun 25

Spotlighting the Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation! Since 2005, they’ve been leading mental health innovation, policy reform, & community engagement

Focus Areas
-Mental Health Innovation
-Policy & Systems Change
-Community Engagement

#YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jun 12

Last week, we supported students at the Voices for Education program in Harrisburg where students advocated for the needs of their schools.

Mental health was top of mind as they advocated for consistent mental health support & sustainable investments in youth mental health services.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jun 12

This week we are spotlighting Aevidum, a non-profit empowering youth to advocate for school mental health. Their message encourages students to raise awareness & create supportive environments for mental health.

Focus areas:
-Youth Advocacy
-Mental Health Services
-Community & School Integration

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jun 6

Last week, the “Innovating for Infants and Toddlers” symposium by the CHOP PolicyLab focused on solutions for youth health & mental health. Sec. Val Arkoosh’s keynote on the need for Medicaid reforms & integrated services was inspiring.

#YouthMentalHealth #MedicaidReform #ValArkoosh

Strong Minds, Bright Futures @strongmindspa.bsky.social · Jun 6

Partner Spotlight: At the CHOP PolicyLab they turn research into actionable policy, improving youth mental health across PA.

"At PolicyLab, our experience caring for children and families informs our 'evidence to action' approach to improving children's health."

#YouthMentalHealth #PolicyReform