In a powerful display of youth activism and community engagement, a mental health summit is set to bring together a diverse range of voices, from young leaders to healthcare professionals, to address a critical issue: the mental well-being of the next generation. This summit, organized by Communities United, a grassroots organization, aims to create a citywide mental health plan with youth at its core.
The need for such an initiative is underscored by a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, which revealed that a significant portion of young adults in the U.S. have negative perceptions of their mental health. With over 5.3 million adolescents diagnosed with mental health conditions, it's clear that this issue demands urgent attention and innovative solutions.
One of the key figures driving this change is Marques Watts, a young man who has experienced the impact of mental health struggles firsthand. Watts' journey began with a traumatic encounter with the police at a young age, an incident that left an indelible mark on his psyche. This experience, coupled with the loss of his brother and friend, propelled him into a leadership role within Communities United.
Watts' story is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for positive change. Through his work, he has advocated for the removal of police officers from school settings, recognizing the impact their presence can have on vulnerable youth. His message to other young people is one of reassurance: "You’re not in the wrong. Don’t feel like you are."
Communities United's approach is unique in that it empowers youth to take the lead in shaping their own mental health narrative. At the upcoming summit, youth leaders like Watts and Arianna Brandt will collaborate with organizations and policymakers to design a five-year mental health plan. Brandt, a senior at Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School, credits Communities United with helping her find her voice and redirect her shyness into advocacy.
The summit's focus on youth-led solutions is timely, given the disparities in mental health care and the need to involve young people in decision-making processes that affect their lives. As Dr. Andrea Spencer, vice chair for research at the Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, notes, "It’s on us to be thinking about how we can better serve communities in need."
Communities United's partnership with the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has led to significant initiatives, including the development of a "Healing Through Justice" framework. This framework, which has garnered global attention through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Racial Equity 2030 Challenge, promotes mental health and wellness by fostering partnerships with institutional leaders and supporting youth-driven leadership.
Dr. John Walkup, chair of the Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Lurie Children's, emphasizes the importance of this approach: "People coming to terms with who they are and working to make the world a better place is a process every youth-facing group should embrace."
The summit's outcome will be a mental health plan that is not only designed by youth but also tailored to their specific needs and experiences. Angela Sedeño, executive director of the Kedize Center, a community-funded mental health center, believes that involving youth in this process will give them a sense of agency and hope.
As Watts eloquently puts it, "When you see what youth can achieve on their own, it's an eye-opener. It changes public perception and expectations of youth."
This mental health summit is a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for positive change when youth are given a platform to lead and innovate. It is a step towards a future where mental health is prioritized and where young people are empowered to shape their own destinies.
