City Hall Mental Health Gathering Coalition Plans As Concerns Rise, Especially Among Young People – Pasadena Now

The Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, a coalition of more than 40 community organizations, will hold a mental health awareness rally on the steps of Pasadena City Hall on Saturday, May 18th, starting at 1 p.m.

The event, part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, aims to draw attention to the growing need for mental health services and resources, especially for youth.

Speakers including Mayor Victor Gordo, best-selling author Dr. Tina Bryson, and Rev. John McCall, founder of Devir Youth and Family Services, will address local mental health challenges and provide information on available support. I plan to share it.

The rally comes amid growing concerns about the mental health of children and teenagers.

Research shows that one in five high school students has been bullied, putting them at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and poor academic performance.

Experts believe that trauma, social isolation, relationship conflict, violence, and feelings of hopelessness contribute to poor mental health in teens and young adults.

Between 2007 and 2021, the suicide rate for Americans ages 10 to 24 soared by an astonishing 62 percent.

“The current situation for our children and youth is alarming, and we must all work together to do what we can,” said Mayor Gord, who has been working with Pasadena’s youth and families since 1989. He praised the partnership’s efforts to improve the lives of people. The appreciation for the City of Pasadena is amazing and we are grateful. ”

Local agencies and city officials will provide resources for the gathering, while partner organization Day One will host children’s activities in an outdoor space across the street.

Members of this partnership include the African American Parent Council, Adelante Youth Alliance, Armory Arts Center, ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena Boys & Girls Club, Caltech Y, Collaborate Pasadena, College Access Plan, D’Veal Youth and Family Services, Day 1, Flintridge Center, Foothill Family, Harambee Ministries, Jericho Road, Leadership Pasadena, Local Elected Representative Field Representative, Early Childhood Bureau, Options for Learning, PACTL, Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena City College, Pasadena Education Foundation, Pasadena LEARNS, Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department, Pasadena Police Department, Pasadena Department of Public Health, Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Unified School District, Planned Parenthood, STARS, THRIVE Learning Lab , Tour of Roses, Urban Strategies, Young & Healthy.

The partnership, originally called the School-Age Child Care Partnership, was established in 1989 to address after-school child care needs.

In 2003, we expanded our mission to serve children and youth from birth to age 18 and absorbed some of the work and mission of the Family Community Council of Pasadena.

This partnership is an all-volunteer collaboration, not a 501c3 organization, and functions as a federation without competing with other agencies for funding.