All schools in Howard County have a standard set of mental health services available to students but about 60% have an enhanced set of supports that includes 1:1 counseling services – offered to students (with parent permission) by licensed professionals during the school day.

Sign this petition to bring this enhanced set of mental health supports to YOUR child's school.

Recently, County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball announced nearly $2 million in new funding that will bring these enhanced mental health supports to ALL Howard County public schools over the next two years. This is wonderful news, and represents a lot of hard work by many organizations and community members who have raised their voices to support our students' mental health. NOW is the time to finish the job and ensure this program is expanded. Let's make sure EVERY Howard County student can access the mental health support they deserve!

This program eliminates many barriers to students getting the help they need. Parents in these schools don't need to take off work to get their child to treatment, and students don't have to miss a bunch of instructional time waiting for and traveling to and from appointments. Nationally, more than 70 percent of students receiving mental health services access them in the school setting. What are we waiting for in Howard County?

We want every child in Howard County to have all the tools they need to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Sign here today so together we can demand that these enhanced supports be available in all Howard County Public Schools.