Apr 14 90.5 WESA Launches Mind Matters
PITTSBURGH, PA — 90.5 WESA, Pittsburgh’s NPR News Station and the region’s source for local independent journalism, today announced the premiere of Mind Matters: Mental Health in Western Pennsylvania, a landmark four-part news series paired with four free community town hall events. The series premieres the week of April 27, 2026, with the first town hall event on April 30, 2026.
Reported by WESA Health & Science Reporter Kiley Koscinski and edited by Glynis Board, Mind Matters examines the mental health challenges facing individuals and families across Western Pennsylvania — and a guide to the resources, experts, and solutions that can help.
The series is made possible through a generous grant from the Staunton Farm Foundation and is presented by Aetna Better Health® Kids, A CHIP Health Plan.
ABOUT THE SERIES
Each of the four episodes of Mind Matters investigates a distinct dimension of the regional mental health landscape. Topics include youth mental health, caregiver mental health, mental health in suburban Western Pennsylvania, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in mental health care. Together, the episodes form a deeply reported, solutions-focused portrait of how communities are grappling with — and responding to — a crisis that touches virtually every family in the region.
“Pennsylvania’s mental health landscape mirrors nationwide trends — the rise in anxiety and depression among teens, and the emerging presence of artificial intelligence in care settings. But our region is also grappling with the complexity of rural health access gaps and an aging society that places more burden on the shoulders of caregivers.”
— Kiley Koscinski, Health and Science Reporter, 90.5 WESA
Airing across multiple weeks through September 2026, each segment is accompanied by a corresponding town hall forum held in communities throughout Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland, and Butler counties. The town halls feature expert panelists, bringing mental health professionals, advocates, and lived-experience voices directly into the heart of the community.
SERIES & EVENT SCHEDULE
| AIR DATE | TOWN HALL EVENT | TOPIC |
| Week of April 27 | April 30, 2026 | Youth and Mental Health |
| Week of July 20 | July 23, 2026 | Caregiver Mental Health |
| Week of Aug. 17 | August 20, 2026 | Mental Health in Rural Western PA |
| Week of Sept. 14 | September 17, 2026 | AI in Mental Health |
All town hall events are free to attend. Broadcast segments air on 90.5 WESA FM and stream live at wesa.fm.
TAKING EXPERTS INTO THE COMMUNITY
What distinguishes Mind Matters from conventional news reporting is its commitment to meeting audiences where they live. Rather than limiting coverage to broadcast and digital platforms, WESA is bringing expert panelists — clinicians, advocates, and policymakers — directly into communities across Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland, and Butler Counties. Each free town hall event extends the journalism into an open forum for community conversation, questions, and connection to local resources.
“Conversations like these create a space for people to hear directly from experts and those with lived experience. By bringing these perspectives together, we hope to support a stronger, healthier community.”
— Kiley Koscinski, Health and Science Reporter, 90.5 WESA
The series reflects WESA’s mission as Pittsburgh’s NPR News Station and the region’s source for local independent journalism: to serve not just as an information outlet, but as an active partner in civic life.
“WESA’s newsroom is made up of parents, siblings and friends of Pittsburghers. We care deeply about the mental health and wellbeing of our community. These forums are a chance to build community, check in with each other, and celebrate the opportunities and resources we have right here in our region. We’re so excited to convene these conversations and to grow and learn together.”
— Glynis Board, Editor, 90.5 WESA
ABOUT THE JOURNALISTS
Kiley Koscinski is WESA’s Health & Science Reporter, covering the people, policies, and institutions shaping health outcomes across Western Pennsylvania. Editor Glynis Board brings nearly two decades of experience reporting, producing and editing in the broadcasting industry. Both are award-winning storytellers with track records of collaboration with community organizations and partners.
ABOUT THE FUNDERS
Mind Matters is funded by Staunton Farm Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance mental health services across ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties. Learn more at StauntonFarm.org. Mind Matters is also Presented by Aetna Better Health® Kids, A CHIP Health Plan.
“We are thrilled to support the Mind Matters series. These forums are an important opportunity to educate community members and get feedback on the issues they want addressed. Together, we can build a future where behavioral health is understood, supported, and accepted.”
— Monique Jackson, Executive Director, Staunton Farm Foundation
HOW TO LISTEN & ATTEND
On-air news segments air on 90.5 WESA FM. All news segments also stream live and will be available on demand at wesa.fm. Town hall events are free, and held at community locations throughout Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland, and Butler Counties. Full event details, including locations and registration information, are available at wesa.fm.
ABOUT WESA 90.5
90.5 WESA is Pittsburgh’s NPR News Station and the region’s source for local independent news. WESA serves the greater Pittsburgh community through award-winning journalism, public affairs programming, and community engagement. Learn more at wesa.fm/mentalhealth.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, consider talking to a trusted loved one, your primary care physician, a faith leader, or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.