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
Students shouldn’t have to wait for a crisis to get mental health support.
Our new report, Building Care Where Students Learn, shows how Philadelphia has built a system where schools, providers, and Medicaid work together to bring care directly to students earlier, and where they already are.
This isn’t one program. It’s a coordinated system and it’s already working.
But many schools in Philly don't yet have full access and most communities across PA don’t either.
We know local solutions like what they developed in Philadelphia already exist, and every community can build what works locally.
Read the report: strongmindspa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Phila-SMBF-Report.pdf
What would it take to build something like this where you live?
#StrongMindsPA #childrensmentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthmatters #schoolbasedcare #PreventionWorks
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We don’t have to wait for young people to reach a crisis before we act.
A new report shows that when families get support early, starting in pregnancy and early childhood, children are more likely to succeed in school, avoid substance use, and have better mental health outcomes.
But right now, only a small share of families who could benefit are actually being reached.
That’s the gap.
Strong Minds, Bright Futures is working to change that because when families get support early, everything changes for youth, for communities, and for the future.
Read more: strongmindspa.org/resources/
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Better support starts with working together.
The H.E.A.L. Conference brings together nonprofits, providers, and public sector leaders to share ideas, strengthen connections, and improve access to behavioral health support across Philadelphia.
Hosted by NAMI Philadelphia, this event is an opportunity to learn, connect, and build practical solutions that help families find support earlier and more easily.
Friends Hospital
May 15 | 9 AM – 2 PM
Register: bit.ly/3QhbqCh
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