(Advisory) 7 PM Tuesday in Southport: Sen. Hwang to Host Children’s Mental Health Awareness Forum

June 9, 2023

Media Advisory

Sen. Tony Hwang on Tuesday, June 13 will host a Children’s Mental Health Awareness Forum from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club of Southport. (Event flyer attached.)
“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but mental health isn’t just something we should worry about in May,” Sen. Hwang said. “Mental health is something people struggle with day to day, so why isn’t it talked about more? This is why it is of the utmost importance to spread awareness even in the month of June. All are welcome to attend this important community discussion on Tuesday.  Bring a friend. Bring a neighbor. Let’s talk about it.”
The forum will explore questions such as:
  1. What is the extent of the youth mental health crisis in Connecticut?
  2. What are some solutions?
  3. How can we help our youth within our community and within our homes?
Panelists will include:
  • Jim Kuczo of Kevin’s Afterglow,  a non-profit organization which raises awareness about at-risk youth who are dealing with mental illnesses.
  • Michael Patota, MS, MSW, President/CEO The Child & Family Guidance Center, which provides children and families with culturally-informed mental health care and complementary supports, regardless of ability to pay.
  • Martin Pino, Psy.D., Assistant Vice President, Health and Wellness, Fairfield University
  • Pedro Espada, rising senior, Notre Dame Catholic High School
  • Makayla Cunningham, rising junior, Fairfield Warde High School
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club of Southport is located at 385 Center St., Southport. For more information, please call Kyla LoPresti at 1-800-842-1421 or e-mail at [email protected]
*Sen. Hwang is the former Ranking Senator on the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Health Committee. He represents Southport, Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Sandy Hook and Bethel.