From left: Carrie Loszewski, Lindsay Kaled, Grace Tung, Laura Montenegro, and Patricia K. Mellor. (GSGWM photo)
Catholic Medical Center (CMC) is teaming up with Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains to host the inaugural Mental Health Summit, a dynamic and inclusive event designed to empower youth (grades 2–12) and adults to explore mental wellness through interactive, age-appropriate workshops. The summit will take place on Saturday, November 22, from 9:00am to 3:30pm at Manchester Community College. Admission is $5 for Girl Scout members and $15 for the public.
Made possible in part by a $25,000 gift from CMC as part of its ongoing commitment to community health, the summit aims to help participants recognize and understand their emotions, build resilience and feel confident seeking support when needed.
“In healthcare we know how important mental wellbeing is,” said John Skevington, CEO of Catholic Medical Center. “Girl Scouts are shaping our future leaders and we believe it is important for everyone to prioritize their mental wellbeing. This investment reflects our dedication to nurturing mental health across our patients, staff and communities.”
Throughout the day, youth participants will engage in hands-on activities and work toward earning mental health patches tailored to their age group. Workshops will be led by trained staff, volunteers, and mental health professionals. The event welcomes both troops and individual attendees, each accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Adults will also have the opportunity to attend specialized sessions focused on supporting youth mental health. Topics include:
- Creating inclusive and affirming spaces
- Suicide prevention strategies
- Teaching coping skills
- A rejuvenating yoga session
“We are grateful to Catholic Medical Center for helping bring these essential resources to our community,” said Patricia Mellor, CEO of Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. “Collectively, we’re working towards the larger goal of normalizing conversations around mental wellness for girls of all backgrounds.”
Amanda Powell, Community Membership Specialist, added: “Mental health is an important part of overall health. These workshops will equip attendees with tools to foster emotional strength, resilience and a supportive community network.”
The Girl Scout council, serving New Hampshire and Vermont, is prioritizing mental health as a core initiative. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute, nearly 70% of girls ages 5–13 report experiencing loneliness, which can erode confidence and strain mental health.
Girl Scouts continues to champion mental wellness through initiatives like its body appreciation badges and mental wellbeing patch series, helping girls grow through friendship, fun and fearless exploration.
Learn more at Girls Scouts of the green and white mountains >