What you need to know: Through the California Love, California Strong initiative, the First Partner alongside statewide partners highlighted the legacy and impact of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) while also expanding access to vibrant community spaces like Exposition Park and new efforts such as the California Youth Mental Health Career Pathways initiative.LOS ANGELES – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month yesterday with state and local leaders, youth ambassadors, and community members at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Exposition Park to celebrate California’s landmark investments in youth mental health – a cause championed by the First Partner since the beginning of the administration.
| “While we are increasingly connected through our digital world, too many young people are still facing loneliness, anxiety, and overall mental health struggles. We all share a responsibility to normalize asking for help and show up for young people and families across the state. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are celebrating California’s deep commitment to youth mental health and the progress we’ve made, while continuing to create spaces for social connection and belonging so every young person has the support they need to thrive.” First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom |
Ahead of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 3-9), the California Love, California Strong (CLCS) event recognized the legacy and impact of the California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), which delivers accessible behavioral health services and support for children and families across the state. Yesterday’s event convened young people and families from across Southern California for a day of connection, wellness, service, and access to resources, underscoring California’s commitment to ensuring every young person can access the support they need to thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom led a youth-centered panel highlighting how young people, behavioral health professionals, and community leaders are supporting mental health across California. Attendees participated in activities encouraging movement, reflection, and connection, while also engaging in a resource fair promoting statewide youth mental health programs like Soluna, BrightLife Kids and CalHOPE.
Celebrating CYBHI’s impact
Since 2021, the Legislature and Administration have made CYBHI possible through more than $4 billion in state investment. CYBHI has represented a historic investment to transform California’s youth behavioral health system by expanding access to mental health and substance use services and meeting young people where they are.
“Under the leadership of Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is helping reimagine how California supports the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families,” said Kim Johnson, Secretary, California Health and Human Services Agency. “Through CYBHI, California has opened new pathways to care, developed innovative tools designed with and for young people, expanded services, and grown a more responsive behavioral health workforce. While significant progress has been made, we remain committed to building on this foundation and sustaining the momentum needed to create lasting change.”
- More than 500,000 children, youth, and families have received support through digital behavioral health services like Soluna and BrightLife Kids, launched just over two years ago.
- More than 70,000 individuals have been supported along their professional journey, from high-school students learning about mental health topics in a summer academy to doctors receiving loan repayments to serve in the public sector. This includes over 4,000 individuals who have joined California’s newest behavioral health profession as Certified Wellness Coaches.
- More than 1,600 organizations are conducting over 2,000 activities across the state to advance this behavioral health transformation.
As the initiative transitions into its next phase, these programs will continue to support young people and families statewide.
The role of community spaces
The event also marked the launch of the Exposition Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community development, infrastructure, and programming at Exposition Park, a 160-acre, state-owned urban park in the heart of Los Angeles. The launch comes at a pivotal moment, as Exposition Park prepares to serve as a key venue for global events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival and the 2028 Summer Olympics festivities, further positioning the park as a lasting community asset. Third spaces like Exposition Park provide safe, welcoming environments where communities can gather, connect and access resources, helping strengthen belonging.
Looking ahead
Building on CYBHI’s foundation, California is continuing to expand opportunities through the California Youth Mental Health Career Pathways (YMHCP) initiative, creating new pathways for young people to enter behavioral health careers.
“We are creating opportunities for service and connection through Youth Mental Health Career Pathways,” said Josh Fryday, Director, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve). “We are helping build the next generation of leaders while strengthening mental health and resilience across California.”
California Love, California Strong aims to strengthen a deeper sense of belonging across the Golden State through self care, service, and social connection. Launched earlier this year, this initiative brings together Californians to build community and resilience amidst the fight against loneliness and isolation.
