Webinar: What can Western MA Do To Promote Youth Mental Health
December 7, 2023
Watch the recording from the December 6, 2023 webinar, What Can Western Massachusetts Do To Promote Youth Mental Health? Learn about three bills, currently before the MA Legislature, that could support youth mental health: An Act establishing a child and adolescent behavioral health implementation coordinating council (H.1979); An Act relative to MassHealth reimbursement to schools (S.794); and An Act relative to mental health education (H.497/S.240). These bills are included in the policy recommendations of the Youth Mental Health Roadmap for Western MA.
Guest Speakers:
- Courtney Chelo, Assistant Director of Government Relations with the MA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) and Coordinator of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign.
- MA State Senator John Velis, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery
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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)
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
