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A devastating $1 billion funding cut for student mental health grants threatens the well-being of millions of young minds, leaving schools and students nationwide vulnerable to devastating consequences.
Providing mental health services in schools is crucial for addressing the complex needs of students. Research has shown that students who receive support at school are more likely to have improved attendance and grades, and that improving a child’s mental health also leads to improved academic outcomes.
Student mental health is a growing concern worldwide.
According to a survey by the American College Health Association, over 60% of college students experience anxiety, while 40% struggle with depression.
These statistics highlight the need for universities and educational institutions to prioritize student well-being.
Recognizing the signs of mental health issues, such as changes in mood or behavior, can help identify students who may require support.
Early intervention and access to resources, like counseling services, can significantly impact a student's academic success and overall quality of life.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration‘s executive order to terminate funding for student mental health grants will have severe consequences on schools and students nationwide. The $1 billion in cuts to the federal grant program will impact programs like the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP), which provides critical support to caregivers and their children.
Many districts and agencies have relied on these grants to increase the number of school mental health care providers, train more school-based mental health care providers, and provide funding for degree programs in student mental health care. The provider shortage is even more severe in rural and lower-income districts, where the lack of access to mental health services can lead to far-reaching consequences.
Cochise County in Arizona has only 12 mental health providers for over 9,500 students, resulting in a single provider seeing over 800 students. This lack of support will have devastating effects on these students and their families.
Until recently, education and mental health care largely operated in silos. Doctors directed children with behavioral challenges to community mental health services, which were often underfunded and fragmented. The result was a proliferation of school-based mental health centers across the country by the 1990s.
Mental health care refers to the support and treatment provided for individuals experiencing mental health issues.
It involves a range of services, including counseling, therapy, and medication management.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people will experience a mental health disorder each year.
In the United States alone, mental health disorders cost over $200 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
Today, best practices emphasize comprehensive care divided into tiers. Tier 1 supports benefit all students, while Tier 2 supports are for students struggling with mild distress. Tier 3 services tend to be intensive and individualized to meet the needs of a given student.
Programs like PEP bring caregivers and students into special settings for four hours per week over several months. These programs provide critical support, teaching caregivers what they’ve learned to new families. Parents like Grindl McMahon and Janet Walton have seen the impact of these programs firsthand, with their children managing their emotions and participating in activities that they previously struggled with.
The termination of this funding is a bipartisan issue, yet the executive order was announced in May, leaving educators with employees for whom they need to find funding before their pay runs out in December. This lack of foresight will have severe consequences on schools and students nationwide.
Education funding has undergone significant changes over the years.
Historically, education was largely funded through local property taxes and government appropriations.
However, with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001, federal funding for education increased significantly.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, federal funding accounted for approximately 8% of total educational expenditures in 2019-2020.
State funding comprised around 47%, while local funding made up about 45%.
These figures highlight the complex interplay between different funding sources and their impact on educational institutions.
As we move forward, it’s essential that policymakers prioritize supporting climate journalism, which is more important than ever. By strengthening environmental literacy and ensuring that our response to climate change is informed by science, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.
- sciencenews.org | Students’ mental health imperiled by $1 billion cuts to school funding
