Young people from middle school to college age are invited to join Multnomah County’s second Youth Mental Health Forum on Saturday, May 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The forum is a way for people to connect with peers and share with elected officials their ideas that could inform policies around mental health access and care. Youth are invited to attend all or part of the event. It will feature behavioral health providers, a resource fair and affinity spaces. There is no cost and lunch is included.
The event — both in-person and virtual — is sponsored by Commissioner Sharon Meieran, with brief opening remarks from U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. All young people from across the County are welcome.
The first Youth Mental Health Forum in 2020 was held just before the first COVID cases were reported in Oregon. Commissioner Meieran organized the event to give youth the space to share openly about the mental health challenges they were facing and offer ideas for solutions. It was a powerful event, and not only provided youth an opportunity to come together to share their stories, but provided local, state and federal elected officials and other community leaders the opportunity to hear directly from youth in ways that could inform policy.
Much has changed since 2020, but one thing is clear: young people — already facing behavioral health challenges before the COVID pandemic — face new and persistent issues. Anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation have increased dramatically, fueled by two years of isolation, grieving and fear for friends and family, the dramatic increase in racially biased crimes and hate crimes, and escalating gun violence.
“It is more important now than ever before that we give youth the space to share their stories, and that decision makers listen to their collective voice,’’ said Commissioner Meieran. “Kids have experienced a tremendous amount of trauma over the past two years, but they are strong, resilient and powerful. Increasing awareness around the mental health crisis, letting kids know they are not alone, and providing space where they can just be, are essential to begin the process of healing.”
Young people can register to attend here: Youth Mental Health Forum.
When: Saturday, May 21
- 9:30 a.m. doors open.
- 10:00 a.m. to noon: Program.
- Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch
- 12:30 p.m to 1:30 p.m.: Affinity Spaces
- 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Resource Fair
Where: In-person and virtual
- DoubleTree by Hilton Portland (1000 NE Multnomah St, Portland, OR 97232)
Who: Youth (ages 13-21) in Multnomah County and elected officials, community leaders, non-profits, and mental health providers.
*Incentives for youth: peer to peer connection, employee passes to local sportswear stores, lunch, and more!
*Some incentives are only available for youth who attend in person.
All event information, including event registration for youth and downloadable promotional graphics, can be found on the event website: multco.us/ymhf