LYNNWOOD—Verdant Health Commission will bring together healthcare providers, government officials, school leaders, nonprofit organizations, and families for a focused community conversation on child, adolescent, and young adult mental health on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The event, titled “Youth Mental Health: Connecting, Listening, and Moving Forward Together,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, 19509 64th Ave W in Lynnwood. It is designed to strengthen collaboration across sectors and improve access to mental health support for young people throughout South Snohomish County.
Washington State Representative Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, will deliver the morning keynote address. Following her remarks, Verdant will share key findings from recent interviews and focus groups conducted with community partners and families to map the current landscape of youth mental health services in the region. Attendees will then participate in structured small-group conversations to highlight programs that are working well, identify systemic challenges and gaps, and brainstorm practical changes that could lead to a more coordinated and accessible system of care.
“South Snohomish County’s young people and their families deserve a mental health support system that is responsive, connected, and easy to navigate,” said Verdant Health Commission Board President Carolyn Brennan. “This convening is an important step in turning our strategic priority into real community impact.”
In 2024, the Verdant Board of Commissioners named child, adolescent, and young adult mental health as one of its top strategic priorities for investment. Commissioners attending the May 28 convening include Board President Carolyn Brennan, Secretary Deana Knutsen, and Commissioners Jim Distlehorst, Karianna Wilson, and Bob Knowles.
Verdant Health Commission is South Snohomish County’s Public Hospital District and the owner of the Edmonds hospital campus, which is leased to Providence Swedish through a high-impact public-private partnership. Revenues from the lease are reinvested directly into community-based organizations and programs that improve health and well-being for local residents. Since 2011, Verdant has invested more than $95 million in South Snohomish County.
For more information about Verdant Health Commission and its investments in community health, visit verdanthealth.org.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
