At Girls Inc. of the Valley, youth mental health is more than just a talking point — it’s a priority. Our Executive Director, Suzanne Parker, recently wrote a featured article for Healthcare News highlighting the urgent need to support girls’ mental wellness and the role communities can play in that effort. With data from the CDC showing that over half of U.S. teen girls experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness last year, and more than a quarter seriously considered suicide, it’s clear that we’re in the midst of a youth mental-health crisis. Girls’ well-being is shaped not only by personal and family experiences but also by what they encounter in schools and online: “Many factors impact girls’ mental health… media and schools can have an outsized impact, both positive and negative.” said Parker. Social media, while sometimes uplifting, often exposes girls to harmful ideals that distort self-image and increase risks for issues like eating disorders and cyberbullying.

Schools, ideally, can serve as a lifeline — but that requires training, support, and resources many districts simply don’t have. Too often, behavioral warning signs in girls are misunderstood or punished rather than addressed with care. Nationwide shortages of school counselors only deepen the challenge; with caseloads far above the recommended 250-to-1 ratio, it becomes nearly impossible for staff to provide the support students need. When girls don’t get help, the consequences are serious — missed learning opportunities, increased isolation, and the potential for long-term struggles with untreated mental-health issues.

Girls Inc. of the Valley is rising to meet this moment with a week of programming centered on youth mental health from May 5–9 as part of the annual Girls Inc. Week. This year’s theme, “Youth Mental Health: Helping Kids Feel Better,” reflects the urgency girls themselves feel around this issue. Through workshops, curriculum focused on emotional wellness, and even spa day self-care, we’re creating space for honest conversations, healing, and empowerment. By supporting girls’ voices and making room for joy alongside education, Girls Inc. is not just responding to a crisis — they’re helping young people rewrite the narrative around mental health, resilience, and community care. You can read the full article at Healthcare News.