SALT LAKE CITY, UT — In honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, in partnership with Mending Minds Village, is inviting youth and families across the state to attend the inaugural Children’s Mental Health Advocacy Event at the Utah State Capitol on Tuesday, May 6.
The event, set to begin at 9 a.m., aims to raise awareness about mental health issues affecting youth in Utah, where 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder each year, and suicide remains the leading cause of death among 10 to 17-year-olds, according to state data.
Dr. Aaron Fischer, co-director of the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, emphasized that the event’s purpose is to foster community connection and bring visibility to the pressing issue of youth mental health.
“This event emerged from the work of a statewide community that deeply cares about youth mental health,” said Fischer. “We want to raise attention to this issue and demonstrate that it affects everyone across the state. It’s time for us to come together and take action.”
The event will feature a breakfast, student speakers, and remarks from state leaders, including Utah’s First Lady Abby Cox. Over ten community partners will also participate, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing mental health concerns.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with state legislators, allowing them to engage directly with policymakers and advocate for mental health reforms.
“What’s really important is having the people who make policy there to engage with the community,” Fischer said. “It’s about demystifying the legislative process and showing that people’s voices truly matter.”
Fischer expressed hope that the event would become an annual tradition, building momentum for awareness and improving access to mental health support across Utah.
