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In our city known for sunshine and rhythm, Miami recently played host to a different kind of energy, one rooted in purpose, urgency, and hope. The Coalition to Empower Our Future (CEF) gathered an impressive group of minds and hearts for a national roundtable dedicated to one of the most pressing issues of our time: the youth mental health crisis.
The roundtable drew policymakers, clinicians, educators, and nonprofit leaders from across the country, each bringing their perspective on how to better support young people struggling with anxiety, depression, and loneliness in an increasingly complex world.
Carlos Curbelo co-moderated the discussion alongside CEF Executive Director Glen Weiner, guiding an exchange that called for bold, collaborative action. Both underscored that the youth mental health crisis cannot be solved with quick fixes or piecemeal programs, it demands a united front.
Recent data shared by CEF underscores that urgency. According to the organization’s research, 80 percent of Florida voters and parents believe that addressing youth mental health requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach, not just surface-level policies like screen time limits. Nearly seven in ten respondents said young people still struggle to access the help they need.
Nationally, the statistics are equally sobering: one in five teens show signs of anxiety, nearly 20 percent report depressive symptoms, and more than a third say loneliness affects their daily lives. These realities set the tone for an afternoon of honest, solution-oriented conversation.
“We know coming from a place of fear is not motivating to youth or to families,” said Nicole Owings-Fonner, Director of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ National Center on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. “So, really thinking about this in a way that’s solutions-focused, that’s evidence-based, and that meets families where they are.”
The panel included leaders from the Children’s Bereavement Center, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Office of Mental Health Services, among others. Together, they explored policy, prevention, and community-level solutions to help strengthen resilience among children and teens.
One of the more poignant moments came from Dr. Howard Pratt, Behavioral Health Medical Director and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with Community Health of South Florida. “I hope kids don’t ever need to walk into my office; that’s the best thing,” he said. “Kids do their best when everyone’s on the same page when the family is accepting and supportive, and when there’s collaboration on our side as providers.”
Attendees also discussed Florida’s standing in national data specifically a JAMA Network Open analysis ranking the state 49th in the nation for calls per capita to the 988 suicide prevention and mental health hotline. The number served as a sobering reminder of the need for better awareness and stronger community engagement around available resources.
Despite the weight of the topic, the day was filled with optimism. The conversation highlighted innovation, empathy, and the belief that real change begins when communities come together.
“For my hometown of Miami to host this gathering in my home state of Florida, where there is such tremendous need it’s a great privilege,” said Curbelo in closing. “We’ve covered so much, but there’s so much more to do. Our young people are looking to us for guidance, and this was a meaningful step in that direction.”
As the room emptied, one thing was clear: the Coalition to Empower Our Future isn’t just starting a conversation it’s helping lead a movement to ensure every young person has the support and strength they need to thrive.
