Building Healthy Futures for Youth
This free mental health forum is continuing to empower rural communities by prioritizing youth mental wellness. Parents, youth, educators, and professionals are invited to come together once again to raise awareness and take action on the unique mental health challenges faced by rural youth.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Arizona Western College (2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365)
Join the conversation
Open to students, parents, guardians, educators, and health professionals! Building Healthy Futures is a free Mental Health Forum! We offer:
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Panel discussions
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Workshops on mental wellness stigmas, mental wellness for youth in rural communities, recognizing mental health issues, finding support, and more!
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Conversation Circles
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Resource Fair + Community Grounding! (Sound bath practitioner will lead us in a grounding meditation)
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Arizona Western College (2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365)
Facilitators
Alex Valenzuela
The Regional Center for Border Health
Session:"What Are Mental Health Issues, and How Do They Show Up
Patricia Martinez
The Mind Body Counseling Center
Session: "Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Issues/Developing Healthy Habits for Mental Well-being"
Sarah J Chavez
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Session: "What Are Mental Health Issues, and How Do They Show Up"
Panel
Isa Tydingco
High School Student + Yuma County Anti-Drug & Mental Health Coalition
Panelist
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Claudia M Lara
Early Childhood Mental
Health Specialist
Panelist
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Dan Mitchell
High School Student + RAZE Leader
Panelist
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Ulises Torres
Licensed Social Worker
Panelist
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Noah Patterson
High School Student + RAZE Leader
Panelist
Lizeth Ocano
AWC Student
Panel Moderator
Alysa Casas
Behavioral Health Technician & Clinical Counselor
Panelist
Melanie Ruiz Lopez
AWC Student
Panel Moderator
Building a Mind Wellness Centered Community in Rural Arizona
Past events include Pinal and Yuma Counties
Interested in promoting your organization?
Table registration is free! Don't miss this opportunity. Our priority is to support rural youth.
For questions, you can reach out to Valeria Bejar, Statewide Education Coordinator at valeria@raze.org.
Become a Sponsor!
If you'd like to support this amazing event, our sponsoring levels are Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorships. You can connect directly with RAZE Development Director, Sherri Jones at sherri@raze.org to become a sponsor.
We look forward to partnering with you!