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. One of YMHC's main initiatives is the Beat the Odds (BTO) Youth Leaders in Problem Gambling Prevention program. The Coalition consists of community-based and youth-serving organizations, behavioral health professionals,  youth and parents & guardians across Greater Springfield.


In 2019 we began a year long process with an Advisory Board to identify a health problem made worse by the presence of a casino in Springfield, MA. To help narrow from fifteen potential topics to one, we gathered diverse community voices, input from content experts, and data from existing community health needs assessments. This process identified youth behavioral health as the biggest priority.


The YMHC focuses on prevention methods to safeguard youth mental health and bring awareness to problem gambling.  With help from our BTO Youth Leaders, we adopted the following strategies:

  • Mental Health Awareness

    It can be difficult to know where to find 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 make it easier by identifying free, accessible resources for youth and adults all in one place! Visit our Youth and Adult resource pages.

  • Professional Development and Community Education

    We seek to inform Springfield and surrounding communities about problem gambling, stress, depression, and other mental health topics through accessible training and workshops.  Trainings offered through the YMHC are facilitated with a social and racial justice lens and open to all community-based organizations and groups of residents in the Greater Springfield area...including youth!  


    Visit our Trainings and Workshops Menu.

  • Beat The Odds: Youth Leaders in Problem Gambling Prevention

    Beat the Odds (BTO) is a peer mentoring program that meets weekly at a few community centers in Springfield.  Youth in grades 6 - 12  to learn about gambling and mental health, they help inform the YMHC’s initiatives, as well as the Springfield Youth Health Survey. Through community tabling events, working with other youth groups, and their social media pages, BTO is paving the way for youth mental health and problem gambling awareness. 

Our Funder

Massachusetts Department of Public Health logo with blue seal and text.

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.

Youth Mental Health Coalition Members

Baystate Health

Behavioral Health Network

Springfield Office of Health and Racial Equity

Estoy Aqui

Gándara Center

Academic Leadership Association

AmeriCorps: Springfield College

AmeriCorps: DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services

Community Services

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Follow my Steps

Girls, Inc. of the Valley

City of Springfield - Office of the Mayor

Gandara's Impact Center

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services

South End Community Center

Mental Health Association, Inc

New North Citizens Council

Out Now

Square One

Gandara's Impact Center

MassMentoring Partnership

Out Now

Project Amp

Project Coach

Springfield Public Schools

Tools for Success Counseling

Trust Transfer Project