We are concerned individuals whose life was directly affected by the lack of mental health support in school systems, and led mental health profiles anonymously to advocate with this purpose. Join me in urging San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino and all other SBCUSD schools to establish an official mental health program or harm reduction services.

 

 

 

Mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression, are affecting our students significantly. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in 2019 about 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder. Also according to studies over 20% of adolescents report serious suicide ideation and almost 10% have at least one attempt. Still, schools remain ill-equipped to provide adequate mental health support, often due to a lack of resources or understanding about the issues at stake.

 

 

 

 

Implementing a mental health program at San Gorgonio High School and other SBCUSD schools could offer a safe and necessary support system for students grappling with mental health issues; it could effectively save lives. Harm reduction services, on the other hand, could help mitigate the negative consequences associated with high-risk behaviors that often coincide with mental health issues. Accidental deaths, which are lead by overdoses, is the number one reported cause of death for those who do not reach age 50. There is absolutely no reason why products like naloxone, that saves those from opioid overdoses like fentanyl, should not be readily available for all students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us in the fight to provide our students with the mental health support they need and deserve. Schools should be a place of safety and understanding, a sanctuary for those too often forgotten or left behind. Urge San Gorgonio High School - and all SBCUSD schools - to step up and take mental health seriously. Sign this petition today.

 

 

Written by Christian M. Bermudez

Moniker (“Eazy Phantom”)