New Vision and Blueprint for Youth Well-being!
By Sheryl Young, San Mateo County Program Director
“We have a public health crisis with our kids feeling more lonely and isolated, and where nearly 20% are experiencing challenges to their behavioral and well- being,” reported Dr. Ramsey Khasho, Chief Clinical Officer, Children’s Health Council at the recent United for Youth forum. “Girls are especially impacted by harmful social media postings, as well as Black, and LGBTQ youth. Children as young as 5 years old are showing anxiety. Parents are exhausted from trying to find help.”
San Mateo County Office Of Education, United for Youth was a call to action and focused on the new Vision and Blueprint for School and Transitional-Age Youth and Well-Being. This blueprint identifies priorities and strategies for San Mateo County, ensuring that behavioral health prevention and intervention services are available early in life. This is critical, given that half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age and most cases are undetected or untreated.
By prioritizing early intervention, we can help ensure that youth receive the support they need before their struggles become more severe. The blueprint also serves as a guide for the community to build a robust support system for youth mental health, from schools to mental health services to family support.
The United for Youth Forum was a gathering of passionate parents, educators, community leaders, and funders all coming together to address the growing behavioral health needs of our youth. Attendees shared insights, discussed challenges, and brainstormed innovative solutions to improve mental health services for children and adolescents.
Gratitude and special thanks to Susan Ford Dorsey, Superintendent Nancy Magee, and Georgia Farooq, along with the Sand Hill Foundation, Pal Center, Thrive Alliance, the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, the San Mateo County Office of Education, and the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford University. Their dedication to creating a forum for collaboration has helped fuel the momentum for the ongoing work of addressing youth mental health.
One of the most inspiring takeaways from the forum was the renewed sense of enthusiasm and momentum for collective action. Together, we can create an environment where all children, regardless of their background or challenges, can feel safe and thrive. The passion shared by all attendees reminds us that it is not enough to talk about change — we must act.
PVF was there to learn from others and to continue to support children, teachers, and families through the generosity of major donors and supporters. We remain committed to strengthening the safety nets for youth across our communities.
The road ahead will require ongoing collaboration, but with the momentum from the United for Youth Forum, we are one step closer to ensuring the mental health and well-being of every child throughout the Bay Area. Together, we can build a future where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered. Let’s continue the work to make this vision a reality.
