On May 22, 2024, the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma hosted a Youth Roundtable, Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Fostering Understanding and Partnerships to Further Support the Younger Generations. “While the staggering statistics about mental health disorders and suicide thoughts and actions certainly reinforce the urgent need to eliminate stigma and ensure access to treatment and support services, individuals’ experiences are even more compelling. I am tremendously grateful to the youth who participated in this event, as the mental health challenges and stigma they endured give them a perspective that all of us can and must learn from in order to provide the most meaningful support for children, teens and young adults,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Chair of the Council; President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies; and Executive Director of the New Jersey Mental Health Institute.

The event featured opening remarks by Christine Norbut Beyer, MSW, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Children and Families; a keynote presentation, Why There Is an Ongoing Mental Health Crisis among Children and Youth, by Shavonda Sumter, MBA, President and CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services, Member of the New Jersey General Assembly and New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Chair; and two panel discussions: Telling it Like it Is: Youth with Lived Experience and Family, Faith-based and Community Resources that Help.

Please click here to watch the recording of this event.