Events

Youth Mental Health Conference 

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s annual Youth Mental Health Conference took place on Friday, February 6, 2026, at The Westin Pittsburgh. This event is one of the only conferences in the country specializing in children, adolescents, and transition-age youth. The conference is geared toward parents, caregivers, mental health professionals, educators, and students. Designed for a broad audience, this dynamic event creates a space where voices are heard, perspectives are shared, and solutions are explored together. 

Keynote Presentation

This year’s keynote presentation, Beyond the Ripple: Addressing the Impact of Student Suicide in Schools, featured national experts, Dr. Jack Rozel, Medical Director, resolve Crisis Services and Clinical Chief of Crisis Services, UPMC Western Behavioral Health, and Dr. Melissa Nelson, Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Their presentation  explored how schools can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from student suicide through proactive prevention strategies, mental health emergency preparedness, and effective postvention approaches.
   

Youth Panel Discussion

The youth panel discussion, Youth Voices, Real Challenges: A Candid Conversation on Mental Health, headlined the afternoon plenary session. West Allegheny High School graduate and Vassar College student, Connor Dalgaard, moderated the youth-led panel for an open conversation about the most pressing mental health challenges facing young people today, what supports are making a meaningful difference, and where gaps still exist. The panel featured Micah Dean from Duquesne University, Mohammad Shedeed from the University of Pittsburgh, Joy Oranwa from Penn Hills High School, and Emily Kadosh from Pittsburgh Allderdice High School. 

The conference also featured two sets of workshops, 50 exhibitors, and more than 400 attendees, including 20+ school districts, academies, and universities.

Youth Mental Health Leadership Award Essay Contest 

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s Youth Mental Health Leadership Award recognizes the passion and courage of young leaders who are committed to fighting the stigma of mental health conditions, providing a safe community for peers to share their own mental health experiences, and empowering peers through education. This year, Anna Carnovale, from Indiana Senior High School was the winner of the essay contest. During the conference, Anna read her essay and received a $1000 scholarship.  

Read the Essays

Marketing Opportunities

If you have questions about marketing opportunities for the 2027 Youth Mental Health Conference, please contact Senior Manager of Grants and Fundraising, Sara Levine Steinberg, by email at slsteinberg@namikeystonepa.org or call 412-366-3788 (Ext. 122). 
 

Thank You Conference Sponsors!
 

Breakfast Sponsors

    

Lanyard Sponsor

Conference Bag Sponsor



Afternoon Break Sponsor

Supporter Sponsors