ICYMI: U.S. Rep. Panetta and Santa Cruz County Office of Education Host Roundtable on Student Mental Health

Santa Cruz, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education hosted a roundtable to highlight the $1 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Panetta to help Santa Cruz County expand services for students through the opening two wellness centers in local schools. Funding was secured as part of final 2023 appropriations government funding package which was signed into law on December 29, 2022. The roundtable brought together educators, behavioral health advocates, and students to discuss ways to support wellness and mental health.

From 2009 to 2019, high school students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness increased by 40 percent. Students experiencing suicidal thoughts increased by 36%. Youth psychiatric emergency visits have risen and tragically more than 6,600 deaths by suicide, occurred among young people in 2020. Today, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. These issues have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our young people experience a tremendous amount of stress due to their academic and athletic pursuits, social and societal pressures, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and so much more. That's why we must not only focus on their success, but also their mental wellness as they strive to succeed," said Rep. Panetta. "Part of the solution are wellness centers located on school campuses where students can go for the much-needed security and support. I'm proud to have fought for and obtained such significant federal funding for the Santa Cruz County Office of Education to expand their behavioral health services with two wellness centers. These types of centers located on school campuses can provide students with access to mental and behavioral health care, reduce stigma associated with mental health, and improve the wellbeing of our students as they continue to succeed."

"Behavioral health issues impacting our students were already at crisis levels before the pandemic -- and in many ways those issues have only grown," said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah. "We know the Wellness Center model works, and we are committed to ensuring students have access to a safe space and service hub on-campus to meet all levels of need. On behalf of our school community, I want to express our gratitude to Congressman Panetta for securing these critical resources to make this vision a reality."

As part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was passed into law on June 25, 2022, Rep. Panetta fought for key investments to support and expand mental health services, with more than $2 billion managed by the Department of Education to expand mental health services in schools. Rep. Panetta also leads the bipartisan National School Psychology Week resolution, which honors the more than 35,000 practicing school psychologists in the United States for their work in providing a supportive and encouraging learning environment for all students.

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