The 2023 – 2025 ACMH Community Impact Report highlights three years of partnership, learning, and statewide impact alongside youth, families, and community organizations across Michigan.
As we move into 2026, we’re carrying forward what we learned in 2025 and building on it. Here’s how that work continues across our key focus areas.
Youth Mental Health Action Day (YMHAD)
In May 2025, more than 120 youth, families, and community members gathered at the Lansing Center for Youth Mental Health Action Day. Guided by the theme Great Change from the Great Lakes, the day centered youth voice, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and inclusive spaces.
Youth-led panels, keynote speakers, reflection spaces, and community connections shaped the experience, with the day closing in music and movement led by DJ Y’z and Breaker Tabor Vits.
In 2026, YMHAD will continue to bring youth, families, and community members together to learn, connect, and take action for youth mental health. We’re also seeking sponsors and donors to help the event grow and reach more young people across Michigan.
Registration for YMHAD 2026 is now open.
Annual Conference
Our 2025 Fall Conference, Showing Off My Shoes: Every Sole Has a Story, brought parents, caregivers, youth, and professionals together for a day centered on lived experience and shared learning.
The conference featured insights from PSP Kathy O’Neil and YPS Specialist Madelynn Nagy, interactive sessions, and strong participation from vendors and resource partners. Feedback from attendees is already shaping the next conference.
In September 2026, during Suicide Prevention Month, we’ll once again gather youth, families, and professionals for learning, reflection, and community building. A new theme will be announced soon.
Expanding Peer Support
Peer support continued to grow across Michigan in 2025. Youth Peer Support celebrated 10 years, and Parent Support Partner marked 20 years of supporting families statewide.
Across the state, 57 Youth Peer Support Specialists supported young people, and 114 Parent Support Partners worked with parents and caregivers.
These programs provide critical peer guidance and support:
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Youth Peer Support (YPS): One-on-one, youth-guided support for young people with serious emotional or behavioral challenges, focused on hope, advocacy, and informed decision-making. In 2025, Sara Reynolds, YPS Statewide Coordinator, and Krissy Dristy, Director of Peer Programs, celebrated 10 years with ACMH, continuing to guide the program and support Youth Peer Support Specialists across Michigan.
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Parent Support Partner (PSP): Peer support for parents navigating the mental health system, helping them build confidence and connect with resources. Led by Statewide Coordinator Margo Pierce, with Angie Engler joining ACMH in 2025 as PSP Lead Trainer to strengthen statewide training and support.
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Crisis Support Partner (CSP): Peer-led support for parents and caregivers during youth mental health crises. In 2026, Kyla Viurquiz joined ACMH as CSP Lead Trainer to launch statewide training and expand access for families.
Together, these programs empower parents, caregivers, and young adults to participate as equal partners in shaping care and the systems that serve them.
Crisis Toolkit
In 2025, ACMH launched the Crisis Toolkit, including the Crisis Navigator and Crisis Compass. These tools offer clear, trauma-informed guidance before, during, and after a youth mental health crisis.
In 2026, families and providers continue using the toolkit to navigate crisis with more clarity, confidence, and support.
Youth and Parent Leadership
In 2025, youth leaders participated in the Youth Leadership Summer Series, building advocacy skills, confidence, and peer connection. Parents joined the Amplify Your Voice Leadership Workshop Series, strengthening their ability to support youth and lead change.
In 2026, youth ages 13–20 will take part in our Youth Leadership Summer Camp, with Youth Advisory Council members continuing to shape ACMH’s work through panels, videos, and lived-experience storytelling.
At the same time, the Parent Advisory Committee, with support from YAC, is advancing the My Inner World Youth Art Initiative, lifting up youth creativity and perspective.
Powered by a Small but Mighty Team
ACMH’s ten-person team continues to work alongside youth, families, and statewide partners. In 2025 and beyond, we’ve collaborated with MDHHS, CMHA, MDE, MAF, and MC3, served on advisory committees, and helped move conversations around family-driven and youth-guided care forward across Michigan and nationally.
Explore the Full Report
For stories, data, and a full overview of our statewide impact, read the 2023 – 2025 ACMH Community Impact Report.
If you’d like to support peer support expansion, advocacy, and family-centered mental health services in Michigan, consider making a gift to ACMH. Every contribution helps us continue this work.
Register for YMHAD 2026 and support ACMH today! Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive mental health system for youth and families across Michigan.
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