Community Dialogue Elevates Youth Voices in Mental Health Efforts

Youth, parents, providers, and community leaders gathered for a Community Dialogue for Youth Mental Health on September 30 to elevate youth perspectives and strengthen collaboration across schools and community organizations in Allegheny County.

Hosted by Children’s First’s Strong Minds, Bright Futures and in partnership with JHF, the event is part of broader efforts to engage the community in meeting youth’s mental health needs.

Speakers included: Allegheny County Office of Behavioral Health Assistant Deputy Director Jewel Denne, President and CEO Emeritus of Fred Rogers Productions Bill Isler, and UPMC pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Abigail Schlesinger. They highlighted the necessity of stronger partnerships between schools and community organizations to expand access to timely, youth-centered behavioral health services.