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

12/10/2025

Pennsylvania now has 153,000 uninsured children, the highest number in a decade.

When kids lose health coverage, they lose access to preventive care, mental health support, and the early help that keeps them healthy and learning. Nearly half of children in PA depend on Medicaid, and stable coverage is essential for addressing mental health needs early.

Children can’t thrive when their coverage disappears.

Read more here: https://pennsylvaniaindependent.com/health-care/pa-uninsured-children-hit-153000-as-federal-funding-cuts-loom/

Advocates say consistent health coverage is essential to ensure kids get the preventive care, treatment and support they need to stay healthy and succeed in school.

12/10/2025

Check out the newest episode of Stigma Stompers from our partners at NAMI of Erie County, featuring Dr. Mary Anne Albaugh, a Strong Minds, Bright Futures partner and longtime champion for youth mental health.

With more than 30 years of experience supporting children across schools, residential programs, and community clinics, Dr. Albaugh offers a look at what Pennsylvania’s children need: earlier support, easier access to care, and strong collaboration between schools, providers, and families.

Her insights echo why the Strong Minds, Bright Futures Partnership is working for change so children in communities across PA can have access to services when and where they need them.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom and hope. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CLpHBBKct5DCNifNfro0m?si=DJRdn5vXSX6C5q-SDO8Iow&pi=3MDqqW0OSiKHx&fbclid=IwY2xjawOmYc1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxU2d4NFBLQmhPQ1FsajBpc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHizVFUmMbCO4kp8scpKZXZBxHcGfVHFrmQ2UQmcD7RTdd0aEFJIhevIAe5EQ_aem_6mhR8boQguLQwR6bg6IXRA&nd=1&dlsi=afb8244d555e48fb

Erie News Now
Erie Reader Erie County Department of Human Services Perseus House

Stigma Stompers with NAMI of Erie · Episode

12/05/2025

ICYMI: Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Valerie Arkoosh and Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen were in Indiana County last week to highlight an issue we hear in rural communities across PA: access to health care, especially mental health care, is far too limited.

For many children and families, the nearest provider is miles away, appointments are hard to secure, and help often comes only in crisis. These gaps leave rural youth without the timely, local support they need to stay well.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures is working to change that. Across the Commonwealth, our partners are advancing reforms that:

• Expand preventive mental health services so children get support early, not after a crisis
• Strengthen school-based care, bringing services directly to where children are, critical in regions with few providers
• Improve coordination across Medicaid, schools, and health systems so families can access care without navigating a maze

When state leaders and local communities come together, we can build a system where every child, no matter how rural their ZIP code, can get care close to home.

When children are strong, Pennsylvania’s future is bright.

Children First

ICYMI: Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen was in Indiana County last week to participate in two forums about the importance of supporting access to health care in rural regions across Pennsylvania.

12/04/2025

At Carbondale Area High School, students in the Aevidum Club are proving what we see across Pennsylvania: young people want support, connection, and care, yet too many still can’t access the mental health services they need.

Their leadership is inspiring. They’re breaking the stigma, looking out for one another, and showing what’s possible when students feel supported.

But while youth are stepping up, we as adults have a responsibility to meet them halfway. Pennsylvania must remove barriers to care, expand school-based services, and invest in prevention so help is available long before a crisis.

Strong Minds, Bright Futures is proud to stand with partners like Aevidum as we work toward a future where every child can get care close to home.
When children are strong, Pennsylvania’s future is bright.

12/01/2025

POSTPONED EVENT: LANCASTER COMMUNITY DIALOGUE FOR STRONG CHILDREN's MENTAL HEALTH EVENT

The Lancaster Community Dialogue, originally scheduled for December 4, has been postponed.

We apologize for the change in plans and truly appreciate your understanding. We are working quickly to confirm a new date in early 2026, and we hope you’ll join us when the event is rescheduled.

Once the new date is finalized, we will share updated information and promotional materials. We’d be grateful if you could continue helping us spread the word so families, youth, and community members can participate.

Thank you for your flexibility and for your commitment to improving children’s mental health across Pennsylvania.

— Strong Minds, Bright Futures Partnership
info@strongmindspa.org

11/26/2025

Looking for trusted mental health resources for students, families, or educators?

The Mental Health Literacy in Pennsylvania (MHLPA) website is a free resource hub that makes support easier to find.

At mhlpa.com, you can explore:
- Classroom-ready guides and conversation tools
- Resources that reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking
- Clear information for students, families, and educators

Districts and schools can even add MHLPA to their websites so support is always one click away.

At Strong Minds, Bright Futures, we are working so that every child has access to support before crisis. Tools like MHLPA move us closer to that future.

Learn more: mhlpa.com

Need mental health resources for students, families, or educators?

Check out Mental Health Literacy in Pennsylvania (MHLPA) — a free, trusted resource hub created by the Project AWARE team at MCIU, designed to connect users with practical mental health resources.

At mhlpa.com, you’ll find:
🔹 Classroom-friendly guides & conversation starters
🔹 Tools to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking
🔹 Resources designed for schools and families

MHLPA can even be added to district and school websites, so mental health support is always a click away.

Learn more here: mhlpa.com

11/26/2025

The holiday season can be a challenging time for many young people. We’re grateful to our partners like NAMI who make sure support is available when families need it.

Call or text 988 anytime
Find a Warmline: nami.org/WarmlineDirectory
HelpLine FAQs: helplinefaqs.nami.org

As we support each other through the holidays, we’re also working toward a future where children can get help before crisis, because prevention should be available year-round.

11/21/2025

This week we had another powerful Community Dialogue in Wilkes-Barre! Families and youth shared what they need to access mental health support early and close to home.

Fox56 covered the event and highlighted why this work matters: https://fox56.com/news/local/children-first-leads-effort-to-improve-access-to-mental-health-support-for-young-people

FOX56 WOLF TV Children First

Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center joined a statewide effort to improve children’s mental health during a community dialogue Wednesday evening.Children First,

11/17/2025

2 days until our next Community Dialogue in Wilkes-Barre!

For more details visit our website: https://strongmindspa.org/get-involved/

11/17/2025

Happy International Students’ Day!

Today we’re celebrating our partners at Youth Infusion and their newly announced 2025–2026 YLAB Student Ambassadors — five outstanding young leaders using their voices to strengthen their schools and communities.

These youth leaders remind us why listening to young people is essential to improving mental health and community care across Pennsylvania.

YLAB applications are open through Nov. 30!
Learn more: youthinfusioninc.com/ylab-youth-leadership

Today is International Student's Day and it's the perfect time to Introduce Youth Infusion’s 2025/2026 YLAB Student Ambassadors! 🌟

We are incredibly proud to officially announce our five Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YLAB) Student Ambassadors exceptional young leaders who completed last year’s YLAB F.A.C.E.S. Curriculum and participated in the NEPA Youth-Led Leadership Conference. They have continued to lead throughout their schools and communities, and now they will serve as the voice and leadership team guiding the next generation of YLAB students.

Please help us celebrate our 2025/2026 Student Ambassadors:

✨ Kendall Medina
Executive Education Academy Charter School

✨ Arielle Biggs
East Stroudsburg North High School

✨ Aaliyah Allen
East Stroudsburg South Senior High School

✨ Noelia Barbosa
East Stroudsburg South Senior High School

✨ Jaritza Caytuiro
Liberty High School

These remarkable young people have already accomplished so much and this is only the beginning. Over the coming months, as we roll out our next YLAB Program Cycle (November–April), we will be sharing stories, highlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the impact these youth leaders are making every day. Stay tuned. 💙

📣 YLAB Program Applications Are Still Open!
We already have 111 student applications, and we’ve extended the deadline until November 30th. Students ages 15–18 (Grades 9–12) from across Northeast Pennsylvania still have time to apply!

Learn more and apply here:
🔗 https://youthinfusioninc.com/ylab-youth-leadership

The future is youth-led — and these leaders are showing us the way forward.

11/17/2025

Funding for Youth Safety and After-School Programs Matters!

Join Lt. Governor Austin Davis and the Afterschool Alliance tonight at 7 PM for a special statewide webinar on how Pennsylvania’s 2025–26 Budget invests in youth and community safety.

Learn about new funding opportunities that strengthen prevention, expand after-school programs, and support families through:

-BOOST (Building Opportunities through Out-of-School Time) grants
-VIP (Violence Intervention & Prevention) grants
-Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) resources

This is a great opportunity for organizations, educators, and advocates working to keep kids safe and supported beyond the school day.

When: Monday, Nov. 17, 7–7:30 PM
Where: Virtual
Register here: https://center-school-19491696.hs-sites.com/november-17-webinar-on-ost-funding?ecid=ACsprvtjXurwqpBfa_FTOK-Lvt5YrZzNth-n-_2vgHjjKyFDWmlEh9BhkKdcN0IP_oPNf3wRtbIu&utm_campaign=PSAYDN%20-%20Youth%20Development%20Digest&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Exf-PPCnZsZFomctY7vcYKMmjKxL3lj05KlAhqfHldTeIKKwdpEEFTzA-uDapaoAkNlspDKmz8TWaSmyFUwb4wRsf8g&_hsmi=390020705&utm_content=390020705&utm_source=hs_email

11/13/2025

Join us for a Community Dialogue for Stronger Children’s Mental Health on Thursday, Dec 4, 5–7 PM at Lancaster General.

This is your chance to share your experiences, ideas, and concerns about mental health services for children and youth in our community. Families, students, educators, and local providers – everyone’s voice matters.

Your stories will help shape real solutions, improve access to care, and guide statewide efforts.

- Location: 2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
- Date & Time: Thursday, Dec 4 | 5:00–7:00 PM
-Register in advance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strong-minds-a-community-dialogue-for-stronger-childrens-mental-health-tickets-1735776386899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Let’s work together to ensure every child in Lancaster County can access the support they need, when they need it.