HCPSSAn Evening on Adolescent Mental Health, April 20, 2026
March 4th, 2026
The Active Minds chapter at Long Reach High School (LRHS) invites students and families to attend a special evening program on April 20, 2026 from 6–8:00 p.m. at LRHS (6101 Old Dobbin Lane Columbia, MD 21045) focused on adolescent mental health and the transition to life after high school.
The evening will begin with a presentation by Pablo Campos, a nationally recognized speaker with Active Minds, who will share his personal story about struggling with anger, risky behaviors, and mental health challenges during high school, and how receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment changed the trajectory of his life. His message emphasizes hope, help-seeking, and the importance of early support.
Following the keynote presentation, a panel of college students who are Active Minds members will discuss their transition from high school to college, the mental health challenges they encountered, how they sought support, and strategies that helped them adjust academically, socially, and emotionally.
After the panel, families and students will split into separate sessions:
- Students will participate in the ASK (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch) Workshop, an interactive session designed to build skills in recognizing warning signs, supporting peers, and strengthening help-seeking behaviors.
- Parents and caregivers will attend a panel discussion focused on mental health and the transition to young adulthood after high school. Panelists will include representatives from NAMI and college counseling professionals. This session will provide guidance on how families can prepare students for the emotional and academic demands of college, recognize early warning signs of mental health concerns, and support their child’s well-being while fostering independence.
This event is designed to provide both students and families with practical tools, real-life perspectives, and local resources to support a healthy and successful transition into young adulthood.