8:00am – 9:00am
Registration + Breakfast
Presidential Ballroom
Conference Schedule
Friday, August 2, 2024
9:00am – 9:15am
Welcome from Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director, Active Minds
Presidential Ballroom
9:15am – 10:00am
Plenary Gen Z Panel: Being a Work of Progress & a Work in Progress
Presidential Ballroom
Presented by: Jiggy Yoon (Moderator), and student panelists Adia Fadaei (Point Loma Nazarene University), Lauryn Ivery (Albany State University), and Trace Terrell (Johns Hopkins University)
As young adults, the world looks to you to lead, to voice concerns, and to advocate for what’s needed right now. And, let’s name, that can feel encouraging, exhausting, and everything in between. Come hear from your peers as we explore burnout, our relationship with self-care, how we ensure our stories are not commercialized, and what it means to combine all of that in the meaningful work we are called to do.
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Growth Sessions
Skill Building + Workforce Development
10:15am – 11:00am
Mental Health Advocacy Institute
Massachusetts
Description: Pre-selected participants* of the Mental Health Advocacy Institute will learn about advocacy and key mental health issues in higher education. Led by Active Minds’ Senior Manager of Higher Education and Policy Manager, participants will engage in discussions and activities to analyze their institution’s culture and climate and identify mental health problems on their campus. The cohort will continue meeting throughout the fall to create and implement plans to improve a mental health issue on their campus. * – Institute participants were previously selected through an application process. This is not an open session.
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10:15am – 11:00am
Credibility Counts: Building Trust with Youth in Behavioral Health
Statler AB
Presented by: C4 Innovations (Adrienne Kasmally, Rowan Willis-Gorman, and Charlie Schatia)
Description: This session explores perceived credibility in the behavioral health workforce. Participants will learn about its impact on interactions; examine how age, academics, and professional experiences influence their work; and understand the importance of lived experience in building credibility with youth clients. Through case studies and discussions, attendees will discuss and learn strategies to build credibility with youth clients, and help them navigate the impacts of credibility in their own lives.
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10:15am – 11:00am
Applying Social Work Principles to Supporting First Generation Students of Color
South American A
Presented by: Empowered Solutions Counseling & Consulting (Rhea Hill, LCSW)
Description: First-generation students of color face substantial barriers in higher education, such as social isolation, racial discrimination, and mental health difficulties, leading to decreased persistence. This presentation shows the vital role of social workers in supporting these students, using intersectionality and empowerment theories. Techniques to improve the mental health and well-being of first-generation students of color will be discussed, aligned with social work principles of promoting dignity, providing service, and advocating for social justice.
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10:15am – 11:00am
Project AWARE: A Multi-Tiered System of Support for School Mental Health in Mississippi
South American B
Presented by: Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University (Dr. Katerina Sergi, Dr. Sheena Gardner, and Dr. Marquita Robertson)
Description: Project AWARE enhances access to culturally responsive mental health services in the Mississippi Achievement School District (MASD), serving BIPOC youth across six schools. This initiative involves family and community organizations to address unique mental health needs, aiming to create a replicable model for rural, underserved districts statewide. The project aspires to drive positive social impact by improving mental health access and support.
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10:15am – 11:00am
Breaking Barriers: Advancing Health Equity through Antiracism in Mental Health
Federal A
Presented by: Emerging Scholars Fellowship (Tiffanie Cheng, Jodi Johnson, Jade Killikelly, and Manu Perinchery)
Description: The Active Minds Emerging Scholars Fellowship offers opportunities for young scholars to expand the body of literature, creative expression, and discourse devoted to mental health with a particular emphasis on health equity and antiracism related to young adult mental health. Scholars will present information on racial disparities within BIPOC communities and strategies on how to improve access to adequate mental healthcare for better quality of life outcomes.
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10:15am – 11:00am
Promoting Health Equity & Expression
Federal B
Presented by: Emerging Scholars Fellowship (Rincon Jagarlamudi, Mandy Brooks, Asli McCullers, and Maryfer Ortiz)
Description: The Active Minds Emerging Scholars Fellowship offers opportunities for young scholars to expand the body of literature, creative expression, and discourse devoted to mental health with a particular emphasis on health equity and antiracism related to young adult mental health. Scholars will present information on mental health and wellness through artistic expression, examining the realities of romantic breakups, and how to overcome perfectionism.
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Growth Sessions
Skill Building + Workforce Development
11:15am – 12:00pm
Mental Health Advocacy Institute
Massachusetts
Description: Pre-selected participants* of the Mental Health Advocacy Institute will learn about advocacy and key mental health issues in higher education. Led by Active Minds’ Senior Manager of Higher Education and Policy Manager, participants will engage in discussions and activities to analyze their institution’s culture and climate and identify mental health problems on their campus. The cohort will continue meeting throughout the fall to create and implement plans to improve a mental health issue on their campus. * – Institute participants were previously selected through an application process. This is not an open session.
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11:15am – 12:00pm
The Power of the Collective Impact Model: Innovative Strategies to Foster Well-Being with Mental Health Education Across Your Campus
Statler AB
Presented by: University of California, Riverside (Joanna Oommen, and Denise Hicks)
Description: This workshop explores the Collective Impact Model, a framework for fostering diverse collaborations through shared goals.We will review its five principles and provide real-life examples of its integration into campus departments to enhance mental health education. Learn how to use this model to foster collaboration and integrate mental health practices into all aspects of your campus culture.
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11:15am – 12:00pm
May This Classroom Be a Haven: Creating School Environments that are Protective and Proactive in Supporting Students' Mental Health
South American A
Presented by: North Brunswick Township Schools(Kelly Frazee, Ed.D)
Description: Discover how to champion mental health in K-12 schools and reimagine them as protective and proactive spaces. Plan actionable steps to implement mental health initiatives in the classroom, leaving encouraged and hopeful for a future of mental wellness in schools. Together, we have the power to make this vision a reality!
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11:15am – 12:00pm
Mental Health in the Professional World: A Panel with Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Alumni
South American B
Presented by: Active Minds SAC Alumni (Ali Landberg, Jeremy Bersin, Joe Fraioli, and Asher Morris)
Description: Join Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Alumni to learn how they are still advocating for mental health in their careers, and how mental health appears in their day-to-day lives. This presentation will touch on mental health in the corporate, legal, and government sectors, and address the mental health challenges that arise in these various environments.
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11:15am – 12:00pm
Equity and Justice in Mental Health: Addressing Antiracism
Federal A
Presented by: Emerging Scholars Fellowship (Kaevyn Maple, Kristiana Knapp, Tamara Wood, and Denisse Aguilar)
Description: The Active Minds Emerging Scholars Fellowship offers opportunities for young scholars to expand the body of literature, creative expression, and discourse devoted to mental health with a particular emphasis on health equity and antiracism related to young adult mental health. Scholars will present information on racial disparities within BIPOC communities and strategies on how to improve access to adequate mental healthcare for better quality of life outcomes.
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12:00pm – 12:30pm
Visit Exhibitors + Networking
Capital Terrace
Visit with fellow attendees and exhibitors in the Capital Terrace.
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12:30pm – 1:15pm
Lunch
Presidential Ballroom
1:30pm – 2:30pm
In the spotlight: Mental Health in Music and Sports
Presidential Ballroom
Presented by: Alexander Stewart (Music Artist), Manteo Mitchell (Athlete, Silver-medal Olympian), and Lexi Hidalgo (The Moments Podcast)
High-profile individuals in the entertainment and sports industries often come across as having it all, but what many don’t see are the struggles that they may experience off the stage and off the track. In this interview-style two-part conversation, podcast and influencer powerhouse Lexi Hidalgo will discuss mental health with a star musician and an amazing Olympic Track and Field Athlete who is now on the USA Bobsled team with his eye on a Winter Olympics run. The moving and inspiring stories that will be shared will undoubtedly inspire and engage all audience members.
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Growth Sessions
Identity + Social Connection/Belonging
2:45pm – 3:30pm
Intersectionality Matters: Navigating Identities and Well-Being
Massachusetts
Presented by: Pride Of Nyla (Jasmine Price, LCPC)
Description: Explore how intersecting social identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, and immigration status, shape mental health experiences and outcomes. Discuss unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities and strategies for culturally responsive care. Learn to provide inclusive mental health support honoring the complexity of each person's identity.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
Amplifying Youth's Perspectives: Co-Creating a National LGBTQ+ Survey for Kind Online Communities
Statler AB
Presented by: Born This Way Foundation (Francesca Giannattasio, and Dr. Claudia-Santi Fernandes)
Description: Born This Way Foundation and Hopelab explored the benefits of online communities for LGBTQ+ youth. In partnership with Hopelab, they co-created a national survey with LGBTQ+ youth via DScout diary entries to understand their unique needs. Screening 100 participants, they focused on transgender, gender nonbinary, Black, and LatinX youth. The resulting survey, informed by lived experiences and expert interviews, aims to build kind communities online, considering intersectional factors such as religion, disability, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This research will guide policy, practice, and future research.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
We Are Inseparable: Empowering Youth in Mental Health Policy Reform
South American B
Presented by: Inseparable (German Partida and Shaymaa Ennajhi)
Description: Join us for an engaging and informative workshop where the Inseparable team, alongside experienced lobbyists and elected officials, will delve into the life cycle of mental health policy. This interactive panel discussion will unveil our innovative strategies for building a robust mental health movement and demonstrate how advocacy can drive real change. Geared specifically towards youth and young adults, this workshop will empower participants to develop their own advocacy action plans, providing the tools and inspiration needed to actively participate in mental health policy reform. Be a part of this transformative experience and discover how you can be an influential voice in the journey towards better mental health policies.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
Actionable Strategies to Address Inequitable Mental Healthcare Access
Federal A
Presented by: Tufts University (Neel Sharma)
Description: Explore the critical issue of mental healthcare access for youth, particularly BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and opportunities and strategies to address it. We will address the particular challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in accessing suitable care. Additionally, we will discover actionable solutions to enhance access, ensuring equitable mental healthcare for all youth and young adults.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
Is Black Boy Joy Enough: Expanding the Possibilities of Black Male Mental Health & Well-Being
Federal B
Presented by: University of Michigan (Brandon Bond)
Description: Join Brandon Bond for a transformative journey into mental health and well-being for Black male-identifying individuals! Explore the historical context, identify current needs, and envision a future where Black males can experience the full spectrum of their mental health and well-being. This session invites critical thinking and radical reimagining through the principles of justice. Prepare for an insightful and thought-provoking experience.
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3:30pm – 4:00pm
Visit Exhibitors + Networking
Capital Terrace
Visit with fellow attendees and exhibitors in the Capital Terrace.
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Growth Sessions
Identity + Social Connection/Belonging
4:00pm – 4:45pm
Breaking Barriers: Advocating for BIPOC Mental Health
Massachusetts
Presented by: South Suburban College (Alexandra Glumac, LCPC)
Description: Explore the challenges faced by BIPOC youth and young adults, aged 18-25, including alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. In this session, we will review the latest research, stressors, implications, and best practices for addressing these crucial issues. Gain insights on how to navigate these challenges and learn powerful perspectives that will inspire you to take action.
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4:00pm – 4:45pm
Building a Game Plan for Student-Athlete Mental Health with The Hidden Opponent
Statler AB
Presented by: Hidden Opponent (Andy Saul, CWP; and Erin Drebushenko)
Description: This presentation examines current issues affecting student-athletes and guides attendees in advocating for policy change. Develop a game plan to implement within their communities for lasting mental health improvement in athletics.
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4:00pm – 4:45pm
Feeling Like You Matter: Exploring LGBTQ+ Young Adult Perspectives on Affirmative Mental Healthcare
South American B
Presented by: Friends of Youth/UCLA (Marisa Mondave)
Description: Explore the practical implications of affirmative mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ young adults, drawing from UCLA study findings. Highlighting lived experiences, the session addresses systemic barriers and advocates for more affirming and equitable mental healthcare. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities informing clinicians, policymakers, and mental health advocates of more inclusive strategies nationwide.
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4:00pm – 4:45pm
Care Without the Codeswitch
Federal A
Presented by: Hopebound (Ashley Way)
Description: This presentation explores the importance of showing up as our whole selves in therapy and ensuring that the care we receive validates lived experience. We will highlight the necessity of high-quality, culturally appropriate mental health care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth and young adults using up-to-date data. We will also learn about the negative impacts of code switching in therapy and discover various advocacy routes, from interpersonal to community to state-level initiatives.
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4:00pm – 4:45pm
Is Black Boy Joy Enough: Expanding the Possibilities of Black Male Mental Health & Well-Being
Federal B
Presented by: University of Michigan (Brandon Bond)
Description: Join Brandon Bond for a transformative journey into mental health and well-being for Black male-identifying individuals! Explore the historical context, identify current needs, and envision a future where Black males can experience the full spectrum of their mental health and well-being. This session invites critical thinking and radical reimagining through the principles of justice. Prepare for an insightful and thought-provoking experience.
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5:00pm – 6:30pm
Young Adult Social Hour
Presidential Ballroom
Want to connect and get to know your peers? This will be a chance to meet and get to know your fellow peers! You can learn about strategies chapters are using in their own schools to address mental health, get new ideas for events, and maybe make some new friends while enjoying snacks. Join us for this facilitated, fun social event intended just for you.
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5:00pm – 6:30pm
Youth Champion Social Hour
Senate
Chapter Advisors and adult supporters (whom we like to call Youth Champions!) are welcome to connect with Active Minds staff and each other for this informal social/networking hour. Light refreshments will be provided.
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Saturday, August 3, 2024
7:45am – 8:15am
Sunrise Self-Care
Pan American
Join us to ease into your day with a mindfulness practice.
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8:30am – 9:15am
Breakfast
Presidential Ballroom
9:30am – 10:30am
A Moderated Conversation with Glenna Wright-Gallo, Assistant Secretary, US Department of Education
Presidential Ballroom
Come hear stories, perspectives, and experiences from the Assistant Secretary.
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Growth Sessions
Wellness, Support, + Access
10:45am – 11:30am
Show Up and Show Out: Core Competencies for Chapter Advisors and Youth Champions
Massachusetts
Presented by: K-12 Partnerships at Active Minds (Ashley Hill)
Description: This session asks Chapter Advisors and other adult supporters to reach back into the crates of their youth to remember those adults who held an emotionally safe space for them to be their authentic, vulnerable, and questioning selves. Through dialogue, media, and activity, this conversation urges attendees to think deeply about what attributes these champions brought to the adult: youth/young adult relationship that other adults did not. Further, participants are introduced to Active Minds 4 core Youth Champion competencies and the power of perspective-taking when engaging with youth and young adults.
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10:45am – 11:30am
Serve Others by Serving Yourself: How Breathwork & Meditation Can Support Leaders
Statler AB
Presented by: SKY Campus Happiness (Kelsi Lynde, and Apoorva Srivastava)
Description: Experience how filling your own cup enables you to support others fully. This interactive workshop teaches evidence-based breathwork tools to achieve a calm, clear, and energized state of mind. Learn ancient yogic practices from SKY Campus Happiness, fostering leadership and a sense of belonging. Discover research-backed techniques,including SKY Breath Meditation, to enhance your well-being and service to others.
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10:45am – 11:30am
Healthy Stress Management Strategies for College-Aged Students
South American A
Presented by: Flourish Counseling Services / Southeastern Louisiana University (Samantha Anders)
Description: This presentation addresses common issues and stressors faced by college-aged youth and young adults. We will discuss healthy stress management strategies and available resources. Additionally, we will discuss current trends and statistics affecting this population, providing valuable insights to better understand and support their mental health needs.
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10:45am – 11:30am
The Youth Choose: Insights in Youth Well-Being from Peer Health Exchange
South American B
Presented by: Peer Health Exchange (Marnino Touissant, and Eduardo Ildefonso)
Description: Join Peer Health Exchange (PHE), to learn about their innovative school-based and online programs, focusing on youth engagement and stress management. PHE’s Team, with diverse backgrounds and identities (70% BIPOC, 50% LGBTQIA*, 40% with disabilities), mirrors the communities they serve, bringing decades of experience in public health, education, and technology Engage with PHE and discover resources and strategies to support youth well-being.
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10:45am – 11:30am
Amplifying Strength & Resilience: Harnessing the Power of Youth Leadership in Mental Health with Sources of Strength
Federal A
Presented by: Sources of Strength (Timmy Foster, TaNisha Parker, and Brittany Paris)
Description: Discover how Sources of Strength's groundbreaking evidence-based program and innovative wellness model uncovers personal strengths and equips individuals and communities to thrive. Learn practical tips and real-world applications to harness the power of belonging and connection for a brighter, stronger tomorrow!
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10:45am – 11:30am
The Balancing Acts: How Self-Compassion and Rest Fuel Resilience
Federal B
Presented by: Active Minds Speaker (Jiggy Yoon)
Sponsored by: KyleCares Foundation
Description: Challenge societal norms of success and resilience by exploring the power of self-compassion. Learn how self-compassion and acceptance of our imperfections, often overlooked in hustle culture, fuel resilience and foster innovative solutions. Discover how prioritizing adequate rest rejuvenates our minds, leading to fresh perspectives and healing. We will also address cultural influences on our relationship with rest and uplift self-compassion for personal growth.
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11:30am – 12:00pm
Visit Exhibitors + Networking
Capital Terrace
Visit with fellow attendees and exhibitors in the Capital Terrace.
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12:00pm – 12:30pm
Lunch
Presidential Ballroom
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Awards Presentation
Presidential Ballroom
From the main stage, the Active Minds Chapters Team will recognize award-winning Individuals, Schools, and Chapters for their achievements over the past school year.
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1:15pm – 2:30pm
Innovation Expo
Senate
Explore the Innovation Expo, a place where mental health advocates showcase their best ideas, programs, and strategies for bridging the gaps within their communities around mental health.
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Growth Sessions
The Future of Mental Health, Funding, + Tech
2:45pm – 3:30pm
Youth Champion Roundtable: Supporting Young Adult Mental Health Advocates
Massachusetts
Presented by: Chapters Team at Active Minds (Janie Egan)
Description: This roundtable-style discussion will focus on sharing experiences, strategies and encouragement among Chapter Advisors and other Youth Champions who work with young adult mental health advocates. Learn from a panel of outstanding current Chapter Advisors and each other to continue providing meaningful support to young adults.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
Designing for Trust: The Role of UI/UX in Mental Health Interface Development
Statler AB
Presented by: Saurya Media (Hari Vedantam, and Sahiti Sarma)
Description: Discover how AI integration in mental health apps enhances user engagement (i.e. asking questions, receiving answers, and learning) and retention. Explore three mental health and wellness apps with AI chatbots, showcasing their role in humanizing digital interactions and promoting relief. Gain insight on the symbiosis of User Interface design and Artificial Intelligence, creating greater satisfaction and adherence among youth and young adult mental wellness apps.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
Teleplay and Telehealth: Reimagining Mental Health Support with a Youth Perspective
South American A
Presented by: William James College (Katie Thomas)
Description: Discover the value of telehealth for youth beyond crisis intervention. Explore how virtual connections can enhance therapeutic outcomes. Learn to navigate the clinician-client dynamic in teleplay, equipping clients while grounding clinicians. Gain insights on harnessing teleplay’s potential for client benefit and cultivating a positive approach towards its utilization.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
Vote Like Your Mental Health Depends On It: Shaping Mental Health Policy at the Ballot Box
South American B
Presented by: Mental Health America + Active Minds (Jackie Menjivar, and Randy Moore)
Description: This session will provide steps to ensure mental health advocates and people affected by mental health and substance use conditions feel empowered and able to vote; candidates at the federal, state, and local levels hear the concerns of the mental health community; and all voters are able to vote with mental health in mind. With mental health care on the ballot — through party platforms and candidate positions — it is more important than ever for the mental health community to be involved in this year’s election. Voters in 2024 will not only decide the next U.S. president, but will also choose more than 30 senators, all 435 members of the House of Representatives, 11 governors, and many, many more state and local officials that are critical to advancing, or reversing, mental health care trends in your communities.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
Priceless Wellness: Student Advocacy for Affordable Mental Health Services
Federal A
Presented by: Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (Emily Muench, and Emma Lamoreaux)
Description: Explore barriers young adults face in accessing mental health care, focusing on insurance, access, and financial constraints. Delve into navigating insurance coverage, finding accessible treatment options, and accessing financial/mental health resources. Take away insights regarding how mental health advocates can help society overcome these challenges to improve mental healthcare access.
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2:45pm – 3:30pm
#FundTheYouth: Equalizing the Accessibility of Grants & Financing for Youth-Led Mental Health Initiatives
Federal B
Presented by: Medicine Encompassed / University of Rochester (Aliza Lopez), Evolving Minds (Anthony Sartori), and Mind-Body Ambassador Program Co-Founder (Arthy Suresh)
Description: Launched in June 2023, the #FundTheYouth Network aims to simplify the SAMHSA grant application process for youth mental health initiatives and directly fund young leaders. This workshop will review the significance of equitable financing, ways to measure the impact of youth-specific grants, and propose changes to the current grant process. Discussion will highlight effective funding frameworks and how to prioritize youth-led mental health projects.
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3:30pm – 4:00pm
Closing Remarks from Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director, Active Minds
Presidential Ballroom