413beattheodds

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. 
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 15 issues to 1 potential issue- 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!