May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and breaking the stigma about mental health. We recently spoke with Tiffany Rufino, the Youth Mental Health Coalition Manager at the Public Health Institute of Western Mass, and a member of BHN’s Board of Directors to gain insights on mental health topics. 

“Throughout my life, I’ve always worked in community and youth development,” Tiffany says. “I didn’t have a huge background in public health, but I did have experience working and developing youth programs and in high schools with youth in Springfield.”

The Youth Mental Health Coalition hosts monthly trainings throughout Springfield that focus on mental health topics. Tiffany leads the Coalition’s charge to destigmatize mental health among Springfield youth and begin to normalize conversations about experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and when to seek help.

The coalition is comprised of 40 members, including community-based organizations, youth services organizations, private clinicians, and even some city counselors. Their Beat the Odds program serves 30 youth throughout MLK Services and the South End Community Center and is led by a peer mentoring group that meets with the youth throughout the school year.

Tiffany is from Springfield herself and enjoys directly impacting the community she grew up in. “I love being behind the scenes to ensure that youth have opportunities and sustainable programs. In their teenage years, youth tend to be persuaded more. I am hopeful for young people that they will be well-equipped to take care of themselves and can pass those things down [to the next generation],” says Tiffany.

She shares that breaking the stigma around mental health in our communities is crucial. “It’s a tough subject that requires people to be super vulnerable. We all need to lean on our community resources and people with like experiences to heal. Young people and adults sometimes experience the same challenges, and generational trauma can bleed into parenting strategies today.”

Tiffany notes that youth tend to be very open about discussing stigma anxiety and stress. They mainly seek trusting relationships and validation from adults, who won’t pass judgment and will guide them.

“I encourage people of all ages to be open-minded. We can be stuck in our ways, so be curious about topics that are unfamiliar to you" she said.

Today, the coalition, which is funded through the Mass Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services, is addressing the growing public health concern of teen gambling. Games such as Roblox and Fortnite, which have online transactions and loot boxes, can resemble casino games, and with the legalization of online betting, it is important to see how the youth are being targeted.

We extend a special congratulations to Tiffany on her well-deserved recognition in BusinessWest 40 Under class of 2024!  This recognition highlights the achievements of young professionals who have made significant strides in their respective business fields, as well as contributions to philanthropic efforts and community service. You can learn more about Tiffany and her work by checking out her profile on BusinessWest.