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Assembly Member Patrick O’Donnell speaks on Student Mental Health Week

Recognizing Student Mental Health Week - May 10-14, 2021
Children and youth mental health issues are real, widespread, and treatable. Latest studies indicate that one in five students have mental health issues and adverse childhood experiences have been shown to have lasting harmful impacts if not addressed. Tragically, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for adolescents. Researchers have found that the rate of mental health disorders in children and youth have steadily increased over the past two decades. One recent study linked the effects of the pandemic to a 91% increase in adolescent mental health crises.

ACR 68 (O'Donnell) Student Mental Health Week sets aside May 10-14, 2021 to bring awareness to our children's and youth's mental health needs. The California Association of School Counselors (CASC) encourages you, as organizational leaders, to take decisive action. We have provided a wealth of materials and ideas for you to utilize including professional development, instructional material, sample social media posts, along with school marque suggestions and media announcement ideas. We are hosting a webinar series for school-based mental health professionals along with a special webinar specifically for caregivers and parents. We are also asking for you to have your board of directors proclaim May 10-14, 2021 as Student Mental Health Week. Please rally your circle of influence to use this week as a focal point to teach, talk, and learn about children and adolescent mental health.

Watch Assembly Member O'Donell's address on ACR 68 and Student Mental Health Week.

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