BECAUSE Howard County students face significant mental health challenges; and
BECAUSE 25% of high school students have experienced sad or hopeless feelings whereas 1 in 5 Howard County middle school students experienced sad or hopeless feelings; and
BECAUSE mental health challenges affect people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, but county surveys highlight racial disparities in risks and indicators that particularly affect Black and Latino residents; and
BECAUSE a lack of access to mental health services, along with stigma, have prevented many students and their families from receiving the support they need; and
BECAUSE a program jointly funded by the school system and Horizon Foundation has significantly expanded mental health services in 30 schools, which provides personalized access to mental health services including one-on-one counseling, during the school day; and
BECAUSE the program must be expanded to ensure all HCPSS students can access mental health supports during the school day, regardless of race, income, disability, or any other intersectionality
BECAUSE at least 70-80% of students receiving mental health services access them in the school setting; and
BECAUSE we strongly believe that mental wellness is critical to student success.
My organization will:
- Join the Mental Health Matters Coalition in its quest to expand the School Based Mental Health Program across all Howard County Public Schools that will provide greater access to students and their families.
- Support Mental Health Matters Coalition activities and events that will help secure Howard County funding for the operating budget each year to expand this program.
- Attend monthly meetings to discuss strategy and updates.
- Provide written and/or oral testimony during County Council or Board meetings as opportunities arise.
- Share action alerts with 10 people to take action on Board of Education level asks.
- Educate our members and/or affiliated organizations on the importance of school based mental health services and how providing personalized access to mental health services will improve the overall quality of life for students and their families in Howard County.