Arizona Mental Health Summit

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Click "Learn More" to read key takeaways from each breakout session.

The Visible and Invisible Determinants of Mental Health in a Divided Nation

Dr. Richard Carmona
17th Surgeon General of the United States
Chief of Health Innovations, Canyon Ranch
Distinguished Laureate Professor, University of Arizona

State of the State: Behavioral Health Trends and Innovations in Arizona

Childhood 2.0: How To Reach, Teach, and Support iGeneration Youth

Katey McPherson
Director of Community Partnerships, Bark Technologies, Inc.
and Youth Mental Health Advocate


View the presentation

Frontline Staff and First Responders Behavioral Health Needs

The Next Generation: Youth Behavioral Health Trends and Opportunities

Behavioral Health in Schools

Mental health is one of the biggest topics of concern in Arizona’s schools. Current climates related to school safety and public unrest have students, staff, and administration facing challenges never seen. Social media and instant connection to mass amounts of information may be contributing factors.

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Maternal Behavioral Health

This session highlighted the social-ecological approach needed to address maternal mental health in the Arizona community.

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Rural Behavioral Health

Unique communities are being treated in different regions of the state.  Not all rural areas are the same, and the challenges they face are also unique.

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Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Behavioral Health

An unanticipated "benefit" of the pandemic has been to move behavioral/mental health out of the shadows. This movement has resulted in a reduction in stigma for the general, as well as the BIPOC, population.

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LGBTQIA+ Behavioral Health

LGBTQIA+ individuals often encounter bias and stigma when trying to access culturally reactive and affirming behavioral healthcare. There is a lack of providers educated in the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community which encompasses all races, genders, and sexualities.

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Mental Health Summit Highlights

Courage in Action Awards

Individuals and organizations were nominated for advancing positive mental health in Arizona

Congratulations to the 2024 winners and nominees for advancing mental health Arizona! These inspiring individuals and organizations demonstrate courage through tireless commitment, advocacy, and impactful work.

The winners received:

  • Commissioned art piece created by Resilient Health
  • $2,500 to direct to the nonprofit of their choice working within the Foundation’s health focus areas

Meet the Finalists and Winners

Watch how these individuals and organizations are paving the way to a healthier Arizona through their mental health work and advocacy.

Bishop John Dolan
2024 Courage in Action Nominee

Motivated by his personal experience losing three family members and an in-law to suicide, Bishop Dolan opened the first Diocesan Office of Mental Health Ministry. In just 18 months, the office has created safe, stigma-free spaces within the 15 deaneries that comprise the Diocese of Phoenix to support those with mental health needs.

Francine Sumner
2024 Courage in Action Nominee

Founder and CEO of Kid in the Corner, Francine Sumner is on a mission to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health and to support the kid in the corner — whoever that may be. Francine lost her youngest son to suicide in 2017 and has since then worked to normalize mental health.

Jaden Sanchez 2024 Courage in Action Award Winner

At just 12 years old, Jaden joined Peer Solutions and started a chapter in his middle school and has been a force for mental well-being ever since. Among many contributions, Jaden’s involvement presenting trauma-informed primary prevention training to youth and adults has been one of the most impactful.

Community 43
2024 Courage in Action Nominee

Community 43’s mental health clubhouse model creates a supportive environment for people living with mental health challenges, offering activities that strengthen meaningful social connections, teach life skills, build community, and provide members with fulfilling work opportunities.

Everybody Matters
2024 Courage in Action Nominee

Everybody Matters is closing the mental health gap by providing an innovative, solution-focused model for helping people who are dealing with trauma and other mental health issues — and simultaneously helping kids thrive and building the next generation of social workers.

Postpartum Support International Arizona Chapter2024 Courage in Action Winner

PSI is working to prevent the numerous multi-generational, negative impacts that perinatal mental health issues have on Arizona moms, babies, and families through the building of an equitable, accessible, and informed perinatal mental health care network across the state.

Thinking about 2025 nominations?

Nominate yourself or recognize someone dedicated to improving mental health in Arizona. All nominees must meet the following eligibility criteria.
Individual
  • 13 years of age or older
  • Be making measurable and meaningful contributions related to behavioral health (e.g., mental health, substance use) in Arizona
  • Provide examples of activities and impact (can date back to 2020)
Group or Organization
  • Non-profit, for-profit, educational institution, or governmental agency
  • Be making measurable and meaningful contributions related to behavioral health (e.g., mental health, substance use) in Arizona
  • Provide examples of activities and impact accomplished (can date back to 2020)
Application Components

Mental Health Summit Library

Access videos and photos capturing the insights and stories from this impactful event.

Be part of the movement to improve mental health in Arizona. Save the date!

When: October 16, 2025
Where: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Registration: Opens July 2025!