ACMH Celebrates Community Partnership Through Music at Youth Mental Health Action Day

Published July 22, 2026 • Association for Children’s Mental Health

By Dianna Robinson, Director of Operations

 

East Lansing High School Jazz Ensemble Helps Create a Meaningful Experience for Families, Youth, and Community Leaders

The Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH) believes that building stronger communities requires more than education and advocacy—it requires connection. This year’s Youth Mental Health Action Day demonstrated just that through a unique partnership that brought together the arts, youth leadership, and children’s mental health.

Thanks to funding provided through a City of Lansing Mini Pocket Grant from the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, ACMH welcomed Seniors Last Day, a talented four-piece jazz ensemble made up of graduating seniors from East Lansing High School, to perform during the 2026 Youth Mental Health Action Day held on May 21.

As attendees arrived and gathered for lunch, the students’ live jazz performance created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encouraged conversation, reflection, and connection. Their music became an integral part of the day’s experience and received enthusiastic feedback from participants throughout the event.

Youth Mental Health Action Day brought together youth, families, educators, behavioral health professionals, advocates, community organizations, and state leaders from across Michigan to raise awareness of children’s mental health while celebrating the importance of supporting young people and their families.

One of the day’s highlights was welcoming Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who presented the official Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Day for Children, Youth, and Their Families. The student musicians provided a beautiful musical backdrop for this meaningful occasion, helping create an environment of celebration, hope, and community.

A Partnership That Began with Music

While the performance itself was a tremendous success, it also sparked something even more meaningful—a new partnership.

ACMH has since reached out to David Larzelere, Director of Bands at East Lansing High School, to express appreciation for helping make the collaboration possible and to begin exploring whether the school’s music program may be interested in future partnership opportunities.

Each year, ACMH hosts statewide conferences that bring together hundreds of families, professionals, advocates, and community leaders committed to improving children’s behavioral health across Michigan. The organization hopes this year’s collaboration will become the beginning of an ongoing tradition that provides local student musicians with opportunities to showcase their talents while enriching community events that serve families across the state.

The Arts Strengthen Communities

The collaboration also demonstrated how the arts can complement and strengthen community initiatives focused on health and well-being.

Music has a unique ability to bring people together, create welcoming spaces, and foster meaningful human connection. By investing in local student musicians, the Arts Council of Greater Lansing not only supported young artists but also helped enhance an event dedicated to promoting children’s mental health and family well-being.

ACMH is grateful to the Arts Council of Greater Lansing for its support through the City of Lansing Mini Pocket Grant Program and to the talented members of Seniors Last Day for sharing their gifts with our community.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to David Larzelere and the East Lansing High School Music Department for partnering with us to make this experience possible.

As ACMH reflects on the success of Youth Mental Health Action Day 2026, we are excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to continuing to build partnerships that celebrate youth talent, strengthen communities, and support the mental health and well-being of Michigan’s children and families.