Marin 9 to 25 Payer and Funder Meeting: Prioritizing Youth Mental Health and Education

On February 28th, the Marin 9 to 25 Payer and Funder Workgroup met to discuss various initiatives focused on supporting youth mental health and education in the community. The meeting highlighted the importance of the work being done by these groups and the impact it can have on young people in Marin. 

One project discussed in the meeting was the Youth Wellness Campaign, which aims to encourage high school students to seek out helpful and reliable connections for their mental health needs. The campaign is being developed by youth from the county, who are currently working on a logo and brainstorming techniques such as whiteboard sessions and collaboration. With funding support from BHRS, the group is set to launch a youth resource guide called "Find Your Way" in a couple of months, just in time for Mental Health Month in May. This guide will serve as a valuable resource for young people in Marin seeking mental health support.

Another resource mentioned during the meeting was the Nod App, which provides information and resources related to mental health. This app can be a valuable tool for anyone who needs support. One member of the workgroup suggested that the information can be added to the Marin 9 to 25 website, making it more accessible to the community.

Robin Pendoley from Marin Promise Partnership presented the innovative work being done to support Community Schools in Marin. He discussed an evidence-based strategy for leveraging community assets to address the comprehensive needs of students. The four pillars of community schools are integrated student support, expanded and enriching learning time and opportunities, active family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership and practices. It's encouraging to see that five districts in Marin have applied for community school grants, and some are even running on planning grants for up to two years. It was highlighted that Novato unified just won a planning grant and hopes to have a dozen school sites involved.

The meeting also included a discussion about Marin 9 to 25’s mission to establish an Accountable Community for Health (ACH) through the innovative and collective efforts of community-based partnerships. Marin 9 to 25 is planning to apply for a grant from California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (CACHI) by using the ACH approach. The vision for ACH infrastructure and organizational structure is to involve the youth and partners and incorporate the core principle of equity throughout ACH policies and practices. Marin 9 to 25 is working towards expanding youth-driven wellness supports and care navigation to schools and developing a sustainability plan with further input from the Youth Visioning and Payer and Funder workgroups. 

The Marin 9 to 25 Payer and Funder Workgroup continues to highlight work that supports the mental health and education of young people in Marin. By prioritizing accessible resources and community engagement, the workgroup is setting a strong foundation for youth success. 

Upcoming events include the Marin 9 to 25 Steering Committee meeting on March 16 with Supervisor Katie Rice as the keynote speaker, a Youth Visioning meeting, and an OD Free Marin Youth Action Team Meeting with a Schools Committee update. The Payer and Funder meeting will be announced soon. Click here to learn more about Marin County youth events!

View meeting slides here.