About YMHC

The Springfield Youth Mental Health Coalition (YMHC) is convened by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services.

In 2019 we embarked on a yearlong planning process to identify an existing health concern exacerbated by the presence of a casino in Springfield, MA. An Advisory Board gathered diverse community voices and content expert input as well as data from existing community health needs assessments, to strategically narrow from a list of fifteen potential issues to one - youth behavioral health. While risks to youth behavioral health include gambling and the presence of a casino, we also know it goes far beyond that issue.

The YMHC consists of behavioral health, community and youth-serving organizations who serve families across Greater Springfield. A key part of our coalition are our youth advisors – Beat the Odds (BTO), Forget the Statistics, a name and tagline they branded themselves! We include BTO in our decision-making processes and rely tremendously on their insights into youth in our beloved community of Springfield, MA.

The YMHC focuses on prevention initiatives that bring awareness to youth mental health and problem gambling. Our strategies include:

Professional Development and Community Education

Recognizing that trauma is often a generational hand-me-down, we seek to inform the Springfield community – through a cultural and racial justice lens – about stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health topics and how to identify symptoms in themselves and loved ones. Training and workshops are open to professionals working with youth, and residents – including youth - living in the Greater Springfield area. Visit our Trainings and Workshops Menu.
Mental Health Awareness

We know it can be difficult to know where to go to find care and resources when you are experiencing mental health and gambling challenges. Many times, we don’t even want to admit when we’re having a tough time! The YMHC hopes to begin breaking down those walls by providing accessible youth and adult resources in one place! Browse our website -www.morethanmymood.org.
Beat the Odds (BTO), Youth Advisors

Beat the Odds is a peer mentoring group of dynamic teens that get together weekly to discuss gambling and mental health topics, as well as ways to spread awareness amongst their peers and community. In addition, they inform the YMHC’s strategies and initiatives, and the Youth Health Survey. Through community tabling events, working with other youth groups, and their @413beattheodds Instagram page, BTO are paving the way for youth mental health and problem gambling awareness.

Our Funder

The Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services (OPGS) serves the community, is inspired by the community, is guided by the needs and insights of the community, and empowers the community, including individuals and groups of people across Massachusetts who are passionate about combating problem gambling and associated health concerns, are at risk for problem gambling, or struggling with problem gambling and its ill effects. Since 2016, OPGS has engaged over 2,000 community members along with over 40 community-based organizational partners to inform the development of priorities and ensure that cultural and community perspectives are embedded in their work.  The Springfield Youth Mental Health Coalition is honored to be one of the initiatives funded by OPGS.

Beat the Odds Youth Leadership Program

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services

New North Citizens Council

South End Community Center

What is the Beat the Odds (BTO) Program?

Convened by MLKFS, NNCC, and SECC, BTO is a peer group mentoring program that is youth-led under the guidance of a BTO Program Coordinator. The BTO program was developed in response to a need for mental health and gambling awareness amongst Black and Brown communities in the Greater Springfield area.

Our Mission is to break the cycle of mental health stigma by using youth voices to raise awareness about the impact of social pressures on youth mental health and to empower youth to be equal partners in the process of change for youth mental health care.

Click the button below to learn more about youth benefits and sign up.