To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, the U.S. Department of Education announced the discontinuation of investments in critical school mental health projects. The projects supported by the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant have helped communities and states across the country make strides in addressing the pervasive shortage of school psychologists, school counselors, and school social workers by supporting workforce development, recruitment, and retention in high-need communities. 

School mental health professionals serve ALL students and partner with parents, families, and other educators to promote student well-being. They work to prevent mental and behavioral health crises, support a positive school environment, prevent school violence, and provide additional services and resources to students and their families. When students have access to comprehensive school mental health services and professionals, they are six times more likely to receive the care they need. 

The discontinuation of support for these projects jeopardizes thousands of students' access to needed mental health services and the progress that has been made to grow the school mental health workforce.  Contact Congress and urge them to push back against this decision and support these popular, bipartisan programs.