Madison families have a new opportunity to address the mental‑health challenges facing Black, Indigenous and other youth of color. On Saturday, Nov. 7, the BIPOC Mental Health Coalition of Dane County will hold its inaugural Youth BIPOC Mental Health Conference at the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, 671 W. Badger Road.
Conference Highlights
The day‑long event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is open to young people, parents, caregivers, educators and community members. Attendance is free, and both breakfast and lunch will be provided to ensure families can focus on the programming without worrying about meals.
Key components include a youth‑led panel where students share personal experiences and suggestions for improving mental‑health support, as well as interactive workshops that teach practical coping strategies, stress‑reduction techniques and ways to navigate the local mental‑health system.
Data‑Driven Insights
Organizers will also present findings from a new report that analyzes the 2024 Dane County Youth Assessment. The study highlights specific gaps in mental‑health services for students of color and points to actionable steps for schools, families and community organizations. By grounding the conversation in local data, the coalition hopes to create lasting change that aligns with the values of strong families and faith‑based support networks.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Jasmine Zapata, a physician, author and longtime youth‑empowerment advocate, will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Zapata is known for her work promoting culturally responsive care and for encouraging young people to become active participants in their own well‑being.
Community Partnerships
RISE Wisconsin and the Journey Mental Health Center co‑lead the coalition, bringing together expertise in mental‑health advocacy, clinical services and community outreach. Their joint effort underscores the importance of collaborative, faith‑centered approaches to healing and resilience.
“When families, churches and local agencies unite around the mental‑health needs of our children, we strengthen the very fabric of our neighborhoods,” said a spokesperson for RISE Wisconsin. The conference reflects that belief, offering practical tools and a hopeful vision for the future.
How to Participate
Anyone interested in supporting the mental‑health of BIPOC youth is encouraged to attend. Registration is not required, but participants should arrive early to claim a seat for the opening panel. The event is fully accessible, with wheelchair‑friendly seating and sign‑language interpretation available upon request.
For more information, contact the BIPOC Mental Health Coalition of Dane County at (608) 555‑0123 or visit their website.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
