Youth Mental Health Summit set for May 10

Written on 04/24/2024


Join the Howard County Nonprofit and Faith Leader Council for the first Youth Mental Health Resiliency Summit, set for May 10 at the Kokomo Thriving Center, 1916 E. Markland Ave. This summit is the result of the reviewing how the community approaches youth and mental health, and this event holds immense significance for the community's approach to addressing this national crisis locally, holistically, and collaboratively.

With the theme "Building Resilient Futures: Uniting Our Community for Youth Mental Health," this summit is set to be a pivotal moment, and the public’s presence is crucial in making it a success.

Here's a glimpse of what can be expected:

Networking and Collaboration: Connect with like-minded community leaders, organizations, and educators dedicated to youth well-being. This is an opportunity to forge partnerships and share insights that can drive impactful change.

Insights and Best Practices: Gain valuable knowledge from experts in the field as they share best practices for promoting youth mental health and building resilience. These insights are actionable and can be implemented in your work immediately.

Practical Tools and Strategies: Leave equipped with tangible tools and strategies that you can use to make a difference in the lives of young individuals. From addressing stigmas to crisis intervention and holistic wellness, the summit covers a range of topics essential for supporting youth mental health.

Free Admission: Thanks to our generous partners and sponsors, attendance at this summit is completely free and includes breakfast and lunch for attendees. Take advantage of this opportunity to access valuable resources and information at no cost.

The lineup of speakers and sessions is designed to inspire, educate, and empower. From understanding the current landscape of youth mental health to exploring innovative approaches, there's something for everyone committed to creating a resilient future for our youth.

To register for the summit and secure a spot, simply click on this registration link https://www.thrivingkokomo.com/event-5621460. Space is limited, so register ASAP. The full agenda and speaker lineup can be found here: https://www.thrivingkokomo.com/event-5621460.

Full Schedule for the Youth Mental Health Resiliency Summit on May 10 at the Kokomo Thriving Center, Indiana Wesleyan University:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Registration and Welcome Coffee

8:30 AM – 8:40 AM: Opening Session

8:40 AM - 10:00 AM: General Session 1: “Understanding the Youth Mental Health Crisis, Issues, and Current Landscape in Indiana Including Legislative Update and Q&A Session” with Brandi Christiansen, President, Mental Health America and special guest Mayor Tyler Moore to issue a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in Kokomo

10:00 AM - 10:10 AM: Break

10:10 AM - 10:55 AM: Breakout Session 1 (Concurrent Sessions)

Breakout Session 1A: “Breaking the Silence: Addressing Stigmas Surrounding Youth Mental Health and Youth Empowerment through Advocacy"

Breakout Session 1B: “Tech Talk: Navigating the Digital Landscape and Social Media on Youth Mental Health.”

Breakout Session 1C:  "Faith-Based Support: Strengthening Youth Mental Health through Spiritual Connections"

10:55 AM - 11:05 AM: Break

11:05 AM - 11:50 PM: Breakout Session 2 (Concurrent Sessions)

Breakout Session 2A: "Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention"

Breakout Session 2B: "Coaching for Youth Learning Reinforcement: Strategies for Educators and Mentors in Promoting Mental Health and Learning”

Breakout Session 2C: "Holistic Wellness: Integrating Physical and Mental Health for Youth"

11:50 AM - 12:00 PM: Break

12:00 PM – 1:50 PM: Lunch and General Session 2: Indiana Youth Institute’s “Youth Worker Café” Luncheon on “Building Blocks of Resiliency” with Dr. Robin Donaldson, Chief Operations Officer, Indiana Youth Services Association (Sponsor: Indiana Youth Institute)

1:50 PM - 2:00 PM: Break

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: General Session 3: “Community Collaboration for Youth Mental Health Resilience” – StigmaFree Fishers, a nationally recognized community initiative led by the Fishers Health Department with Monica Heltz, Director, Fishers Health Department  

2:30 PM - 2:40 PM: Break

2:40 PM - 3:25 PM: Breakout Session 3 (Concurrent Sessions)

Breakout Session 3A: "Connecting Hearts and Minds: Effective Communication and Coaching Strategies for Adults Working with Youth”

Breakout Session 3B: “Beyond Labels: Understanding and Nurturing Diverse Perspectives on Youth Mental Health"

Breakout Session 3C: “Peer Support and Mentoring Networks: Building Stronger Communities for Youth in Community Programs and in School”

3:25 PM - 3:30 PM: Break

3:45 PM - 4:30 PM: General Session 4: “45 ideas in 45 minutes for Community Next Steps” – Fast-paced session where audience engagement and inclusion will fuel a list of 45 ideas in 45 minutes!

Special thanks to our partners and sponsors: Indiana Youth Institute, Mental Health America - Wabash Valley Region, Kokomo Thriving Center, Indiana Wesleyan University, Howard County Health Department, Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council engaged organizations.

The full agenda and speaker lineup can be found here: https://www.thrivingkokomo.com/event-5621460.