Rising to the Challenge: Scaling a Proven Youth Mental Health Model in Illinois
Illinois’ youth mental health system is under strain—marked by provider shortages, long waitlists, and uneven access, especially for Medicaid families.
Rising to the Challenge brings together investors, providers, payers, and ecosystem leaders to explore how proven youth mental health models can scale across Illinois—responsibly and at statewide impact.
This convening is designed to move beyond announcements and into execution.
Why Backpack
Founded in Maryland, Backpack Healthcare was built to support children, teens, and families beyond moments of crisis through accessible, evidence-informed tools that complement clinical care.
Backpack was recently announced as available to eligible members of Aetna Better Health of Illinois, marking its formal entry into the Illinois market.
👉 Announcement
Backed by Chicago-based PACE Healthcare Capital, Backpack is scaling nationally and now focused on building partnerships across Illinois as it expands access for youth and families statewide.
This conversation focuses on what comes next.
What We’ll Explore
What makes Illinois a uniquely important market for youth mental health innovation
How digital and hybrid models can expand access for Medicaid populations
How health plans, investors, providers, and public leaders can partner to support growth
Featured Panelists
These conversations bring together operators, health plan leaders, investors, policymakers, and financial institutions shaping the future of youth mental health care in Illinois.
Hafeezah Muhammad — Founder & CEO, Backpack Healthcare
Melanie Fernando — CEO, Aetna Better Health of Illinois
Marc Fagan — Plan President, YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois (Centene)
Julia Monfrini Peev — Managing Partner, PACE Healthcare Capital
Donna Miller — Former Illinois State Representative
Marianne Markowitz — President & CEO, First Women’s Bank
Who Should Attend
Healthcare investors, provider organizations, health plans, policymakers, and community leaders interested in improving youth mental health outcomes and building scalable care models in Illinois.
Sponsors
PACE Healthcare Capital is a Chicago-based venture firm investing in early-stage healthcare technology and supporting company expansion across the Midwest.
First Women’s Bank is the only commercial bank in the country with a strategic focus on supporting the women’s economy and closing the gender lending gap. The Bank serves a national lending and deposit market from its flagship location in Chicago. First Women’s Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.