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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A referral doesn't help if no one is available to respond.
Children and families need access to trained people who can provide support before challenges become crises.
Our partners at CHOP PolicyLab explore an important solution: training trusted professionals to deliver appropriate, evidence-based mental health support alongside licensed clinicians.
More trained people. Earlier support. Less waiting.
Swipe through our carousel, then read CHOP PolicyLab's May 2026 article:
policylab.chop.edu/blog/amid-mental-health-workforce-shortages-how-can-we-creatively-expand-who-c...
#StrongMindsPA #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthWorkforce #PreventionFirst #MentalHealthAccess @ChildrensHospitalofPhiladelphia ... See MoreSee Less
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Meet Emma G. Cowan, a Strong Minds Youth Advocacy Council member from Westmoreland County!
Emma joined the council to help young people access the mental health resources and support she wishes she'd had growing up.
Swipe to get to know Emma and the change she wants to see. →
#StrongMindsPA #StrongMindsBrightFutures #YouthVoice #YouthAdvocacy #YouthMentalHealth #WestmorelandCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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Young people are more likely to ask for help when they know they will be listened to and taken seriously.
Parents, teachers, mentors, friends, and other trusted adults can all help create that sense of safety.
Support starts with making it easier to speak up before a young person reaches crisis.
Join us at Strong Minds, Bright Futures.
strongmindsPA.org
#StrongMindsPA #YouthMentalHealth #TrustedAdults #SupportSooner #PreventionFirst #PennsylvaniaYouth Governor Josh Shapiro Pennsylvania Department of Human Services @followers ... See MoreSee Less
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