About YMHC

The Springfield Youth Mental Health Coalition (YMHC) is convened by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services.

In 2019 we embarked on a yearlong planning process to identify an existing health concern exacerbated by the presence of a casino in Springfield, MA. An Advisory Board gathered diverse community voices and content expert input as well as data from existing community health needs assessments, to strategically narrow from a list of fifteen potential issues to one - youth behavioral health. While risks to youth behavioral health include gambling and the presence of a casino, we also know it goes far beyond that issue.

The YMHC consists of behavioral health, community and youth-serving organizations who serve families across Greater Springfield. A key part of our coalition are our youth advisors – Beat the Odds (BTO), Forget the Statistics, a name and tagline they branded themselves! We include BTO in our decision-making processes and rely tremendously on their insights into youth in our beloved community of Springfield, MA.

Now, in 2023, the YMHC has embarked upon four preventative strategies to bring awareness to youth mental health:

Professional Development and Community Education

Recognizing trauma is often a generational hand-me-down, we seek to inform and educate community – particularly from a cultural and social justice perspective – about stress, anxiety, and depression and how to identify symptoms in themselves and loved ones. Trainings are offered to professionals working with you and residents living in the Greater Springfield area. View our Mental Health Training Opportunities.
Mental Health Awareness

We know it can be difficult to know where to go to find care and resources when you are experiencing mental health challenges. Many times, we don’t even want to admit when we’re having challenges! The YMHC hopes to begin breaking down those walls by providing accessible youth and adult resources in one place! Visit our new website - www.morethanmymood.org.
Peer Mentoring Collaborative (PMC)

This collaborative began as a series of interviews conducted with mentoring organizations to understand the landscape of near peer mentoring in Greater Springfield. The goal of the PMC is to work together to create sustainable opportunities for peer mentoring in the Greater Springfield area, and to provide training, workshops and other resources to aid in the mental wellness of mentees and mentors.
Beat the Odds (BTO), Youth Advisors

Beat the Odds is a peer mentoring group of dynamic teens that get together bi-weekly to discuss mental health topics and ways to spread awareness amongst their peers and community. In addition, they inform the YMHC’s strategies and implementation, the Youth Health Survey and the More Than My Mood communications campaign. Through community tabling events, working with other youth groups, and their @413beattheodds Instagram page, BTO are paving the way for youth mental health awareness.