Mental health is personal to me and I have known hundreds of others who have also struggled with their mental health. One in five children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years in the U.S. have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. Only about 20% of children with a diagnosis receive care from a mental health care provider. 

Looking back now, I realize I showed signs and symptoms of mental health disorders during my childhood, but it wasn't until I was in my teens that I advocated for myself to get the mental health care I desperately needed. If someone had talked about mental health and its signs earlier on, I could have understood my health and received the care I needed much earlier.  

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the mental health crisis to the spotlight despite being a problem for many years. Mental health issues range from ADHD and anxiety to depression and suicide. 

Many schools and school districts have started to partner up with local health providers to offer referrals as well as Telehealth appointments during school hours. However, not every school or school district is providing this service. That's why it is absolutely essential to offer mental health care in every school in every school district. 

THE FACTS

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by the age of 14; 75% by the age of 24.
• Only 16% of all children receive mental health assistance in school environments 

We can not afford to wait for federal and local governments to solve this. Join me in advocating for more mental health resources in schools and educational settings by signing this petition.