Strong Minds,
Bright Futures:
A Partnership for Child Mental Wellbeing
A growing statewide coalition committed to building a stronger future for Pennsylvania’s children. Launched in response to deep concerns raised by families, educators, health professionals, and youth during The Big Thing—a multi-year, community-driven research initiative, led by Children First, the Partnership is transforming how we support children’s mental health in our schools, communities, and care systems.
Across the Commonwealth, children and families are facing growing mental health challenges—but far too often, the systems meant to support them respond too late or not at all. Guided by five essential reforms, the Partnership is working across sectors to remove barriers to care, expand access to early intervention, and ensure that every child can thrive close to home.With Medicaid policies, local collaboration, and a commitment to prevention, Strong Minds, Bright Futures is building a system that works—for families, providers, and the future of Pennsylvania.
EVENT GUIDE:
AFFILIATE EVENTS
STRONG MINDS EVENTS
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.
@followers Children First
#StrongMindsPA #StrongMindsBrightFutures #YouthMentalHealth #MedicaidReform #AccessToCare #MentalHealthReform #GovernorShapiro #ValArkoosh #RuralHealthcare #ruralhealth #ruralpennsylvaniaICYMI: 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. ... See MoreSee Less
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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. ... See MoreSee Less
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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
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