Utah youth mental health advocacy event builds momentum for change
Utah First Lady Abby Cox and USMHC co-director Aaron Fischer, Ph.D.
On May 6, 2025, the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC) and Mending Minds Village hosted the Youth Mental Health Advocacy Event at the Utah State Capitol, honoring National Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. With support from Voices for Utah Children, Live Like Sam, and WeBeWell, the event welcomed about 80 attendees, including parents, community members, and policymakers, to raise awareness and foster advocacy for youth mental health.
The USMHC, housed in the College of Education, partners with Utah schools and communities to strengthen mental health systems and provide early, effective support. Mending Minds Village complements this work through culturally responsive resources and peer support for families.
The event featured remarks from Utah First Lady Abby Cox and Aimee Winder Newton, director of the Utah Office of Families and senior advisor to Gov. Spencer Cox. USMHC youth ambassadors delivered an inspiring keynote, sharing personal stories and encouraging greater community involvement. Attendees also participated in a legislative overview that highlighted ways individuals can engage in mental health advocacy.
"This event was a professional highlight – being able to start a conversation and reach supportive community members who value mental health policy is so important," said Aaron Fischer, co-director of the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative and assistant professor of Educational Psychology in the College of Education.
Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among Utah youth ages 10-17, and one in five children experiences a mental health disorder annually. With 80% of youth showing improvement when provided timely intervention and community support, events like this are critical for promoting early action and reducing stigma.
The Youth Mental Health Advocacy Event served as a platform for networking, resource-sharing, and collaborative planning. Organizers, including Fischer and KadenMattinson, executive director of Mending Minds Village, announced plans to make this an annual tradition, strengthening the statewide movement for youth mental health.