In the United States, approximately 1 in 5 adolescents aged 13-18 have, or will have a serious mental illness. Yet, our education system often overlooks this crucial aspect of mental health. In the Antelope Valley High School District, Our Minds United is calling for comprehensive mental health education that is on par with physical education in our schools.

The benefits of such an initiative are manifold. Not only does it help students understand and manage their own mental health better but also fosters empathy and understanding towards others dealing with mental health issues. It can potentially reduce stigma associated with these conditions and encourage early intervention.

Currently, physical education is a mandated part of the curriculum across all grade levels in California schools. We believe that giving equal importance to mental health would create a more balanced approach towards overall student wellbeing.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for an inclusive educational environment where every child's psychological well-being matters as much as their physical fitness.