BANGOR — Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is proud to announce the return of the Youth Mental Health Summit, a free, empowering event designed for high school students and the people who care about them, including families and educators. Registration is now open for the 2026 summit, taking place Tuesday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Husson University’s Gracie Theatre.
This year’s theme “Your Story Matters” celebrates the strength and voice of every young person. The day will feature a powerful keynote from Ivy Watts, a nationally recognized mental health advocate and speaker with Active Minds, who will inspire attendees with a message of resilience, connection and hope.
The summit offers a dynamic mix of experiences, including breakout sessions focused on youth mental health, coping strategies and building resilience; practical tools for stress management and emotional well-being; resources and direct connections with local mental health and community support organizations; and more.
The event is open to all high school students and the adults who support them — parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors and community members. Families are encouraged to attend together, creating shared understanding and opening doors for meaningful conversations.
“We believe every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported,” says Stacey Coventry, director, Community Engagement, Eastern Maine Medical Center. “This summit is more than just a day of learning — it’s a chance to build community, reduce stigma, and equip young people and those who love and support them with real tools they can use every day.”
Although the event is free for attendees, registration is required by March 2 so we can track our attendance. Learn more and register at https://northernlighthealth.org/Youth-Mental-Health-Summit.