Special Youth Council Meeting - April 7, 2026

The Special Youth Council Meeting of the Cape Core Youth Council held on April 7, 2026, focused extensively on mental health issues affecting youth in the community. The meeting featured a panel of mental health experts, school district representatives, and law enforcement discussing challenges such as stigma, access to care, funding limitations, and the intersection of mental health with substance use and juvenile justice. The council highlighted ongoing partnerships with local organizations and schools, including a mental health survey distributed across Lee County schools, and emphasized the need for increased funding and resources to expand mental health services. While no specific procurement or contract awards were discussed, the meeting underscored the importance of legislative advocacy for mental health funding and the collaboration between community providers and schools to improve service delivery and crisis intervention.