Bridging Blocks | Are We Doing Enough? A Conversation on Mental Health

In 2025, 23.4% of U.S. adults, around 60 million people, experienced mental illness, according to a 2025 report from nonprofit Mental Health America. That same year, 46 million people reported having a substance abuse disorder, and 14 million reported experiencing thoughts of suicide. 

Finding accessible, affordable, and reliable mental health care can be challenging. Barriers can include stigma, geographic disparities, high costs, lack of insurance coverage, limited availability of providers, and staffing shortages. 

How can communities make mental health care more accessible and affordable? What resources are currently available in our communities, and where are the gaps?

This is a facilitated community conversation in which attendees will engage directly with one another in a moderated setting. Rather than a lecture or presentation, the program is designed to encourage dialogue, the exchange of perspectives, and shared learning among participants.

For questions or additional requests, please contact Brisa Luzzi Castro ([email protected]) or Rushawn Stanley ([email protected]). We are happy to assist with any event-related inquiries.
 

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.

Host - Tony Cuffie Senior Manager Community & Engagement, WHYY News

Moderator - Brisa Luzzi Castro Community Convener, WHYY News

Bridging Blocks, a partnership between The Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY, is made possible by a generous grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland

This event is free to attend, and optional donations help WHYY continue offering meaningful community programs.