Empowering Minds Summit to tackle youth mental health and suicide prevention

Catholic Medical Center (CMC) and Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains successfully hosted the inaugural Mental Health Summit on Saturday, November 22 at Manchester Community College, drawing 230 girls (grades 2–12) and their adult mentors for a day dedicated to mental wellness and suicide prevention.

The event was made possible in part by a $25,000 gift from CMC, reinforcing its commitment to community health.

The summit featured interactive workshops, expert-led sessions and heartfelt stories aimed at equipping youth and families with tools to build resilience, recognize emotions and seek support when needed. Girls Scouts worked toward earning mental health patches while engaging in activities designed to normalize conversations around mental health.

One of the most impactful moments came from a 12-year-old speaker who shared her personal journey of losing her older brother to suicide at age 6, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and open dialogue.

“This summit was about giving young people the confidence and resources to prioritize their mental wellbeing,” said John Skevington, CEO of Catholic Medical Center. “Partnering with Girl Scouts allows us to start these critical conversations, raise awareness, and empower youth to speak up—because mental health is an essential part of overall health.”

Adult attendees participated in sessions on creating affirming spaces, teaching coping skills and suicide prevention strategies, while youth explored age-appropriate activities to foster emotional strength and community support.

According to the Girl Scout Research Institute, nearly 70% of girls ages 5–13 report experiencing loneliness, a statistic that highlights the importance of initiatives like this summit.