Expand Student Access to Mental Health Resources within NYC Public Schools

Recent signers:
Aura Severino and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Mental health has always been a critical issue, yet we continue to see a lack of awareness, resources, and access to help—especially for young people. When teens and other youth struggle with their mental health, accessing support can be extremely difficult, particularly because many are minors and don’t know where to turn. 

This is more than just a concern—it's a crisis. In 2025 alone, there have already been over 1,000 reported youth suicides. Alarming statistics show that more than 22% of high school students have seriously considered or attempted suicide. Of those, around 10% tragically lost their lives. 

We cannot ignore these numbers. 

Youth mental health is at stake. A lack of accessible, age-appropriate resources and information can have life-threatening consequences. Early support and accessible guidance can quite literally save lives. 

We are calling on EVERYONE to prioritize youth mental health by: 

Making mental health information readily available in schools and online platforms geared toward youth. 
Ensuring schools provide clear, confidential pathways for students to seek help. 
Expanding funding for mental health professionals and counselors in educational institutions. 
Promoting awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health challenges. 
Mental health matters—and young people deserve access to the help they need. 

Sign this petition to demand change. Let’s make sure no student struggles in silence. 

25

Recent signers:
Aura Severino and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Mental health has always been a critical issue, yet we continue to see a lack of awareness, resources, and access to help—especially for young people. When teens and other youth struggle with their mental health, accessing support can be extremely difficult, particularly because many are minors and don’t know where to turn. 

This is more than just a concern—it's a crisis. In 2025 alone, there have already been over 1,000 reported youth suicides. Alarming statistics show that more than 22% of high school students have seriously considered or attempted suicide. Of those, around 10% tragically lost their lives. 

We cannot ignore these numbers. 

Youth mental health is at stake. A lack of accessible, age-appropriate resources and information can have life-threatening consequences. Early support and accessible guidance can quite literally save lives. 

We are calling on EVERYONE to prioritize youth mental health by: 

Making mental health information readily available in schools and online platforms geared toward youth. 
Ensuring schools provide clear, confidential pathways for students to seek help. 
Expanding funding for mental health professionals and counselors in educational institutions. 
Promoting awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health challenges. 
Mental health matters—and young people deserve access to the help they need. 

Sign this petition to demand change. Let’s make sure no student struggles in silence. 

The Decision Makers

New York State Senate
3 Members
Robert Jackson
New York State Senate - District 31
Andrew Gounardes
New York State Senate - District 26
Brian Kavanagh
New York State Senate - District 27

Petition Updates