Last year in response to the U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on the youth mental health crisis in the U.S. (.pdf), APA held the inaugural APA Moore Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit on July 12, 2023. Through this one-day summit, APA collaborated with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute to design a youth-centered mental health event focused on cultivating mental wellness among 150 young people of color in Washington, D.C. This summit aimed to increase mental health awareness, empower youth to advocate for their own mental wellness, facilitate peer support and engagement, and introduce youth attendees to early career mental health clinicians. Given the disconcerting youth mental health statistics, this event had a critical role in creating a space for open dialogue directly with youth.
This year, the APA will expand its program to engage 400 youth leaders at the second annual Moore Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit. The theme, "Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges," aims to prioritize mental wellness and foster a healthier mindset among participants.
The opening session will be facilitated by APA's new CEO and Medical Director, Dr. Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. Following this, breakout sessions will be led by our esteemed community partners: MedStar WISE, SchoolTalkDC, and the Jed Foundation.
Event Sponsors
Community Partner
Participating Organizations
