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.
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Some of our most meaningful memories begin with food. What does hope taste like to you?
Our Strong Minds, Bright Futures Youth Advocacy Council is inviting young people across Pennsylvania to contribute to Tastes of Hope, the first zine from The Hope Gallery.
Through recipes, comfort food stories, poetry, and prose, young people ages 14–25 can explore how food connects to their memories, experiences, and mental health.
This youth-led project is about making space for creativity, connection, and the stories young people want to tell.
Submission deadline: Friday, November 13.
Know a young person who enjoys writing, cooking, storytelling, or creating? Help us spread the word!
Find submission details using the QR code or visit:
qr.link/mYRMgE
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Workforce Is Access. And Community Health Workers help make that access possible.
As Pennsylvania DHS Secretary Dr. Valerie Arkoosh highlighted during PA Community Health Worker Recognition Day, CHWs play an essential role in connecting communities with health care, resources, and support.
For Strong Minds, Bright Futures, expanding Pennsylvania's mental health workforce and helping children and families access support before crisis is essential to meeting the needs of young people.
That's why our Medicaid reform agenda calls for training and certification pathways, expanded opportunities for qualified community and peer professionals, and sustainable reimbursement for their services.
Coverage matters. But families also need trained, trusted people who can help them reach care.
We're grateful to Secretary Arkoosh for recognizing this essential workforce.
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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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