First Youth Mental Health Summit

Why a summit?

Mental health is an issue that transcends barriers and affects all sectors of society.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 suffer from a mental health disorder, whether emotional, developmental or behavioral. However, only about 20% of them receive adequate treatment. This reality has been exacerbated in Puerto Rico by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic and has resulted in a drastic increase in emergency room visits and an exponential increase in calls and contacts to ASSMCA’s PAS Line.

The summit was designed as a comprehensive one-day event, during which participants could immerse themselves in the most relevant and urgent issues that concern child and adolescent mental health.

The objectives of the summit were clear:

1. Raise awareness about the challenges of mental health in children and adolescents in Puerto Rico.
2. Empower mental health professionals and students with relevant information to drive change.
3. Connect key groups with the intention of promoting collaboration in the sector.

Testimonials and impact

The event was received with great enthusiasm and praise from the attendees. Participants’ feedback included the following:

• “Excellent activity. It was possible to work on complex topics in a concise but very complete format. I think it can become a highly anticipated event among professionals, as it gave us the opportunity to network and share with others. I usually attend the professional counseling convention, but this event allows us to receive important information from other disciplines and initiatives.”
• This event was extraordinary. The resources were extraordinary, a great experience and opportunity for professional growth for the audience. In short, EXCELLENT!
• “The event was excellent. From my perspective, the information presented was excellent.”

Comments like these reflect the positive impact and need for this type of initiative to continue advancing the understanding and treatment of youth mental health.

Comments like these reflect the positive impact and need for this type of initiative to continue advancing the understanding and treatment of youth mental health.

The Mission Continues

The mental health of children and youth is an issue that concerns us all. It is the future of our families, our people and our future generations. At Fields of Joy, we are committed to continuing to be a vehicle for transformative change, promoting education, prevention, and access to effective treatments. For this reason, in October 2024 we will hold a second edition of the Youth Mental Health Summit.

Join us

If you want to know more about our mission and how you can contribute, we invite you to learn more about our projects and programs. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people and build a healthier, happier future for all.