Advocates talk youth mental health in south Snohomish County
LYNNWOOD — Community partners gathered at the Lynnwood neighborhood center Thursday for a conversation about youth mental health in south Snohomish County.
The event was hosted by Verdant Health Commission, also known as Snohomish County Public Hospital District No. 2, which serves south Snohomish County. The organization owns the Swedish Edmonds building and uses its lease and levy revenue to fund programs in the area. Verdant’s main priorities currently include youth mental health and access to direct healthcare services, said Carolyn Brennan, president of Verdant Health Commission.
“I’m sure many in the room can relate to the sentiment that if one of our children or loved ones was struggling with mental health, we would move heaven and earth to get them the support they need,” Brennan said. “This sentiment, coupled with data showing that more than 25% or our young people report being anxious, depressed and lacking in hope has led the Verdant commissioners to prioritize this critical community meeting.”
From February to May, Kathy Solberg, a consultant hired by Verdant, conducted interviews with 127 community members about youth mental health in Snohomish County. She presented her findings Thursday. The interviewees ranged from youth and families to medical and governmental organizations. Solberg identified six areas where all the groups converged regarding the underlying issues, the programs that are working and potential solutions. Ideas included an emphasis on peer support, challenges navigating the system, the stress of mental health on emergency departments and how poverty exacerbates behavioral health challenges.
https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/05/29/advocates-talk-youth-mental-health-in-south-snohomish-county/