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:
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Young people can’t get support if there isn’t someone there to provide it.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week, Vanessa’s message is a reminder that awareness must be matched by access.
Pennsylvania needs a stronger children’s mental health workforce so young people can get help when and where they need it.
Join us at Strong Minds, Bright Futures.
strongmindsPA.org
#StrongMindsPA #YouthMentalHealth #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #Workforce #SupportSooner #PennsylvaniaYouth Governor Josh Shapiro ... See MoreSee Less
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Mental Illness Awareness Week is about more than recognizing when someone is struggling.
Awareness only matters if support is there when a young person reaches for it. That means trusted adults, clear pathways, and enough people across schools, communities, children’s doctors’ offices, and mental health care to respond.
Workforce is access.
#StrongMindsPA #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthWorkforce #SupportEarlier Governor Josh Shapiro Pennsylvania Department of Human Services @followers ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Reducing distractions and harmful digital exposure can be part of creating healthier school environments.
But phone policies alone will not give a young person someone to talk to, shorten a waitlist, or create a clear path to support.
As Pennsylvania considers statewide limits on phones during the school day, we should keep the bigger goal in view: trusted adults, strong school and community partnerships, and mental health support available before needs become crises.
Read more: www.pennlive.com/news/2026/10/pa-lawmakers-push-to-pass-statewide-school-phone-ban-before-electio...
#StrongMindsPA #youthmentalhealth #schoolmentalhealth #SupportEarlier ... See MoreSee Less
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