MesaNow
City of Mesa News
City of Mesa News
On a day when the nation is grappling with another tragic school shooting, Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman met with more than 150 pastors, clergy, nonprofit partners, and community advocates to highlight the critical role faith leaders play in supporting teen mental health.
The event celebrated Mesa's strong spiritual and civic foundations and emphasized the importance of faith and community collaboration in creating safe, supportive spaces for young people.
"From the earliest days of our city, people of faith have stepped forward to care for others, strengthen families, and lift up neighborhoods," said Mayor Freeman in his opening remarks. "That legacy continues through each of you. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient Mesa."
The theme of this year's breakfast was teen mental health and suicide awareness, with speakers emphasizing the importance of creating safe, supportive space for teens and families.
The keynote address was delivered by Katey McPherson, a nationally recognized advocate for youth well-being and suicide prevention. McPherson underscored the importance of recognizing underlying struggles such as depression and isolation in young people, and encouraged leaders to be proactive in offering support before a crisis occurs.
Attendees also heard from Brian Cannon, Mental Health Advocacy Program Manager for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, who highlighted the Diocese's Mental Health Ministry. The program equips congregations with tools and resources to support individuals and families facing challenges, providing a model for how faith organizations of all sizes can engage in meaningful mental health outreach.
Mayor Freeman closed the program with a call to action, encouraging leaders to continue collaborating across congregations, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to support Mesa's youth:
"This is not work that any one of us can do alone, but together, it is work we must do," Mayor Freeman said. "When faith and civic leadership walk side by side, we send a powerful message to our young people: you are valued, supported, and never alone. We must do everything in our power to prevent tragedies like the one our nation is mourning today."