Youth Mental Health
A Community Priority
The mental well-being of our youth is not just a national concern; it’s a pressing local issue that directly impacts our kids’ ability to thrive in school, build meaningful relationships, and navigate life’s challenges. At the Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF), we recognize the importance of addressing this challenge and have made youth mental health a focus of our grantmaking.
Why This Matters
Recent data highlights both the ongoing challenges and encouraging progress in youth mental health:
- 1 in 5 youth had a major depressive episode in the past year—nearly half received treatment, and 65% said it helped.
- 40% of teens reported persistent sadness or hopelessness, a slight decrease from 42%.
- Latine students experienced modest improvements in mental health and a reduction in suicidal thoughts.
- 61% of youth in the U.S. are flourishing, which is closely associated with school engagement and other positive outcomes.
These trends illustrate the importance of accessible mental health resources and community support in helping young people thrive.
Our Local Context
In our local schools and communities, the need for mental health support remains evident. According to the Children’s Health Council:
- 76% of school leaders report needing more resources for student and staff mental health.
- 71% call for training in social-emotional development, and 61% seek classroom management support.
- Families face increased calls for help with issues ranging from behavior challenges to anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
Despite these challenges, the rise in young people accessing services is a hopeful sign that families are finding pathways to support.
Learning and Growing Together
We recently partnered with the Children’s Health Council (CHC) to host a learning session for our Board of Directors and Advisory Board members, featuring presentations from CHC leaders Dr. Ryan Eisenberg, CEO, and Dr. Ramsey Khasho, Chief Clinical Officer & Licensed Psychologist. This interactive session highlighted the critical need for creating safe, supportive environments for young people and underscored CHC’s profound impact in our community.
We are fortunate to collaborate with dedicated partners like CHC, whose commitment to sharing their expertise and working together strengthens our collective impact. These partnerships not only enhance PACF’s understanding of community needs but also inform and refine our grantmaking strategies, ensuring we continue to support the most effective and meaningful solutions.
Grantmaking to Impact Youth Mental Health Issues
PACF is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of youth mental health by supporting innovative solutions and community-driven programs. Through our grantmaking, we partner with organizations making a measurable difference in the lives of young people and their families. Longtime grantee, CHC, and one of this year’s David Mitchell Grant recipients, My Digital TAT2, demonstrate the profound impact of this work.
Last year, CHC collaborated with over 65 local schools and districts, reaching more than 43,000 individuals through clinics, school programs, and free resources. Similarly, My Digital TAT2 empowers students to navigate the digital world thoughtfully and safely with programs that inspire meaningful behavior changes online. These organizations, and many others we are proud to support, play a pivotal role in building healthier, stronger communities for our youth.
Toward a Brighter Future
PACF remains steadfast in our commitment to addressing youth mental health. Together with our exceptional grantees and dedicated donors, we are building a future where every young person has the resources they need to thrive.
Learn more about our work and grantees and support these efforts at paloaltocommfund.org.