To the editor,
In our school and community, one of the biggest issues we face is the lack of strong mental health education and support for students. Right now, mental health is only covered briefly in health class, but students deal with real challenges like stress, anxiety and depression every day. This is a major concern for our community because many young people are struggling silently without the knowledge, tools or resources to care for their mental well-being.
When mental health is overlooked, it affects everything — students’ grades, attendance, relationships and even the overall atmosphere of our school. These struggles don’t just stay in school; they ripple out into the community, impacting families and the future workforce.
That’s why I am advocating for the Mental Health & Hope Outreach Policy, which would establish mental health as a full class with an adaptive curriculum focused on coping skills, emotional awareness and access to help. This policy would also encourage schools to seek more funding for mental health programs and provide training for staff to better support students. By promoting mental health education, we can build a stronger, more caring community that understands, supports and prioritizes the well-being of every individual.
Sincerely,
Josiah Grubbs-Richard, Maricopa High School student
