Thousands of high school students from across Northeast Florida will gather March 25 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre for UF Health St. Johns’ annual BRAVE Summit- an event designed to confront the realities of teen mental health with honesty, energy, and hope.
Hosted by UF Health St. Johns, the free, one-day summit has become a cornerstone initiative in the region, bringing together students, educators, and mental health professionals for a shared purpose: breaking stigma and building resilience. The timing is especially meaningful. According to national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, underscoring the urgency behind events like BRAVE. At the center of this year’s program is keynote speaker Sam Demma, a bestselling author known for his work with young people across North America. His message will focus on turning adversity into strength- encouraging students to lead with courage, support one another, and recognize their own capacity to create change in their schools and communities.
But the BRAVE Summit is designed to be more than a traditional assembly. Throughout the day, students will participate in peer-led discussions and breakout sessions that foster open, judgment-free conversations about anxiety, depression, and the pressures teens face today. Mental health professionals will also be on hand to guide discussions and provide resources, helping bridge the gap between awareness and action. Creativity plays a central role in the experience. Student-submitted artwork and poetry will be displayed throughout the venue, offering a powerful, personal look into how young people process and express their emotions. Interactive installations invite attendees to share their own stories, reinforcing a key message of the summit: no one is alone in what they’re feeling.
The atmosphere itself is intentionally uplifting. Live music, complimentary food, and a festival-like setting help create a space where students feel comfortable opening up—transforming what could be a heavy topic into one of connection and empowerment. As conversations around youth mental health continue to grow nationwide, the BRAVE Summit stands out as a proactive, community-driven response. By meeting teens where they are- through conversation, creativity, and shared experience—it offers not just awareness, but practical tools and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond a single day.
