"Identifying mental health risk factors and the inequities driving poorer health outcomes among youth are key..."

November 15, 2022
Kimberley Lee is on the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts' Board of Directors and is the Chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center.

Kimberley Lee is on the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts' Board of Directors and is the Chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center.


"Identifying mental health risk factors and the inequities driving poorer health outcomes among youth are key for providers to better deliver mental and behavioral health care to this population. The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts released a report in 2021 that highlighted the high rates of mental health risk factors and outcomes experienced by Springfield teens, particularly students of color, females, and students who identify as LGBTQ+. Access to such data about inequities helps those of us who deliver psychiatric and substance use care better serve those populations with a keener sense of culturally and linguistically appropriate and individualized health services. It is known that 50% of mental illness starts by age 14. We can help prevent such illness from becoming chronic if we can lower exposure to external factors contributing to it and intervene early with treatment."


share this

Related Articles

New Infographics Highlight Springfield Youth Health and Well-Being

November 10, 2026
We're excited to share several new resources featuring findings from the 2025 Springfield Prevention Needs Assessment Survey. Explore data on youth mental health, substance use, protective factors, and other issues affecting the health and well-being of Springfield youth. 2025 Snapshot of Youth Health in Springfield (infographic) 3 Tips For Parents & Guardians to Prevent Youth Substance Use (infographic) Youth Substance Use Prevention for Parents & Guardians: Learnings from the 2025 Springfield Prevention Needs Assessment Survey (infographic) Supporting Youth and Preventing Substance Use (slide deck)

How to Help: An Introduction to Behavioral Health Resources & Services in Western Massachusetts

October 30, 2026
Virtual Briefing

Now Live! The Youth Health Data Hub of Western Massachusetts

October 28, 2026
We are pleased to announce that the Youth Health Data Hub of Western Massachusetts is now live! The Hub is designed to help communities better understand youth experiences, learn from one another, and turn information into action. The Hub was shaped by prevention coalitions, schools, community organizations, public health professionals, legislators, young people, and many other partners across Western Massachusetts. We are deeply grateful to the countless individuals who shared their time, expertise, and perspectives throughout its development. The idea for the Hub emerged several years ago through our work on the Western MA Youth Mental Health Roadmap , when young people and community partners identified a need for better access to data, evidence-based strategies, and examples of work happening across the region. In response, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, with support from The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, convened a regional advisory group and worked collaboratively to bring this vision to life. The Hub brings together interactive data, research, prevention and promotion strategies, and examples from across the region. We view it as a living resource and will continue to expand it over time. We hope it becomes a shared space for learning, collaboration, and collective action that helps all young people in Western Massachusetts thrive. Learn the many ways you can get involved. Explore the Hub: YouthHealthDataHub.org