Members of our Pelham Together Youth Council will travel to Albany on March 12th for Mental Health Matters Legislative Action Day, hosted by the Mental Health Association in New York State.

This unique opportunity allows our students to join peers from across the state in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for stronger mental health policies. Last year, Youth Council members met with state leaders, participated in a rally for increased mental health resources, and shared their perspectives on youth wellness in Pelham during meetings with Assemblywoman Paulin and Senator Fernandez.

This experience has proven to be a powerful one for our teens, giving them a voice in shaping policy that directly impacts their lives. They have advocated for increased funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Teen Mental Health First Aid, and a consistent mental health curriculum for K-12 students. They’ve also highlighted the need for more community support in helping young people take the first step in seeking mental health care.

We are proud of our Youth Council for stepping into this leadership role, and we look forward to seeing the impact they make this year. If you know a student who might like to get involved with the Youth Council, click here to learn more about it!