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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Workforce Is Access. Invest Where Health Happens.
Last week, our partners at the Pennsylvania Community Health Worker Collaborative brought together Community Health Workers (CHWs), advocates, partners, and state leaders at the Capitol for the 4th Annual PA Community Health Worker Recognition Day.
CHWs play an essential role in helping families navigate services, connect with resources, and access care in their communities.
For Strong Minds, Bright Futures, expanding this workforce is an important part of improving children's mental health access across Pennsylvania.
Our Medicaid reforms would strengthen training and certification pathways, expand opportunities for qualified community and peer professionals, and establish sustainable reimbursement for their services.
More trained professionals. Earlier support. Better access to care.
Recognition matters. Investing in the workforce's future is essential. Thank you to the PA Community Health Worker Collaborative and everyone who made the day possible!
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Gettysburg is investing in student mental health. But not every Pennsylvania school has the resources to do the same.
Gettysburg Area School District recently added two school social workers, supported in part by state grants. A new WGAL story highlights these investments and student-led programs helping young people connect with support.
Schools are often the first place mental health needs are recognized. But they're already stretched thin, and temporary grants or limited education budgets cannot be the long-term solution.
That's why Strong Minds, Bright Futures is advancing Medicaid reforms to expand the workforce, establish sustainable funding, and strengthen schools as places where students can access care.
Schools should be central to mental health support not expected to fund and provide it alone.
Read how Gettysburg is making a difference:
www.wgal.com/article/gettysburg-area-schools-expand-peer-support-mental-health-help/74039359
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Good news for Pennsylvania students. But our work isn't finished.
Results from the 2025 Pennsylvania Youth Survey show encouraging progress: 76% of participating students reported good mental health, up from 71% in 2023. These numbers are similar to what existed before the pandemic.
But nearly 1 in 7 students still seriously considered suicide in the past year.
We need to make sure every young person can access support when they need it. Let's build on this progress with prevention, more trained professionals, and clearer pathways to care.
Swipe to explore the findings.
Read more here: www.pa.gov/agencies/pccd/programs-and-services/juvenile-justice-and-delinquency-prevention/pays
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