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
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: pennsylvaniaindependent.com/health-care/pa-uninsured-children-hit-153000-as-federal-funding-cuts-...
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PA uninsured children hit 153,000 as federal funding cuts loom
pennsylvaniaindependent.com
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.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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: open.spotify.com/episode/0CLpHBBKct5DCNifNfro0m?si=DJRdn5vXSX6C5q-SDO8Iow&pi=3MDqqW0OSiKHx&fbclid...
Erie News Now
#stigmastompers #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #StrongMindsBrightFutures #youthmentalhealth #ChildrensMentalHealth #kidsmentalhealth #MentalHealthSupport Erie Reader Erie County Department of Human Services Perseus House ... See MoreSee Less
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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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