Celebrate Youth Mental Wellness with Art, Data & Fun

June 21, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, MA — Join us for a FREE celebration of youth mental wellness on Friday, June 21st, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This youth-led event, hosted by Beat the Odds (BTO) youth advisory group to the Springfield Youth Mental Health Coalition (YMHC), is designed to raise awareness about mental health, problem gambling and self-care strategies; celebrate the healthy ways our young people manage their mental well-being; and connect youth and the community to valuable mental health resources. 


Several organizations will be tabling, including Gandara’s Impact Center and the Stop Access Coalition. Youth from Queen’s Narrative and Gandara’s photoVOICE project will share artwork and Beat the Odds youth will showcase creative data visualizations of the Springfield Public School District 2023 Youth Health Survey. 


“Art is a great outlet to express youth mental wellness and to understand public health issues that may be otherwise hard to digest,” said Tiffany Rufino, Youth Mental Health Coalition Manager at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. “We hope this event encourages our young people to make healthy choices by providing resources and information in a fun, interactive way.” 

Schedule 

  • 5:00 PM - Registration
  • 5:30 PM - Data Walk: Explore data visualizations of the 2023 Springfield Youth Health Survey created by BTO youth
  • 6:15 PM - Dinner 
  • 6:30 PM - Presentations & Performance (Will include representatives from the Mayor's Office & MA DPH Office of Problem Gambling Services, original song performed by BTO member, and awards). 
  • 7:30 PM - Celebration Activities (unstructured time for games, music, and fun) 
  • 8:00 PM - Closing Remarks 


We hope to see you there! Register now!

A poster for a youth mental health celebration on june 21 , 2024

share this

Related Articles

Congrats to the 2026 Healthcare Heroes

September 14, 2026
Jessica Collins was named a 2026 Healthcare Hero , accepting the honor on behalf of the full PHIWM team. Congratulations to the other honorees!

Stay Healthy This Fall: Review the Latest Vaccine Recommendations

September 14, 2026
Fall brings the return of respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV. While these illnesses can affect anyone, older adults, infants, pregnant individuals, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised are at greater risk for severe illness and complications. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools available to help reduce the risk of serious disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccine recommendations vary based on age, health status, pregnancy, and other individual factors. Check out the latest recommendations from the American Medical Association . Talk with your healthcare provider about what is right for you and your family. For additional information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's recommended vaccines page .
Poster promoting public health information kiosks and kiosk locations.

See Us On a ValleyBike Share Kiosk!

September 10, 2026
Healthy messages are rolling through our communities! We are excited to share that we are sponsoring three Valley Bike kiosks and one pedestal sign, featuring the Healthy Air Network , 413Cares , and tobacco cessation resources in Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or exploring downtown, keep an eye out for these public health resources that connect residents with support for healthier living. If you see one at the following locations, take a picture and tag us @publichealthma! 📍 Chicopee City Hall, 274 Front Street, Chicopee 📍 Downtown Holyoke, 201 Maple Street, Holyoke 📍 Springfield Court Square, 35 Court Street, Springfield 📍Springfield Union Station, 55 Frank B. Murray Street, Springfield