Page 48 - Wellness Program 2022

STUDENTS
Physical Education
& Physical Activity
Nutrition Services
Community
Counseling, Psychological & Social Services EMPLOYEES Engagement COORDINATING POLICY, PROCESS, AND PRACTICE Counseling, Social Services Social & Emotional & FAMILIES
Environment &
Involvement
Psychological
Family
HEALTHY SAFE
CHALLENGED SUPPORTED ENGAGED
Physical
Environment
Employee IMPROVING LEARNING AND HEALTH Health Climate
Wellness Education
Health
Services
COMMUNITY

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, children and youth were experiencing behavioral or mental health concerns
at an increasing rate. These challenges may have been exacerbated by their experiences during the pandemic.
1
Surveys results reported by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory revealed continued challenges:

● From 2009 to 2019, the proportion of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or
hopelessness increased by 40%.
● Between 2011 and 2015, youth psychiatric visits to emergency departments for depression, anxiety,
and behavioral challenges increased by 28%.
● Between 2007 and 2018, suicide rates among youth ages 10-24 in the US increased by 57%.

During FY22, a national survey of schools found that “7 out of 10 public schools say they have seen an increase
in children seeking mental health services since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a study from an
independent government agency has revealed. 2
Mental health and school success are closely linked. School-based mental health is a vital part of student
support systems and mentally healthy students are more likely to go to school ready to learn, actively engage
in school activities, have supportive and caring connections with adults and young people, use appropriate
problem-solving skills, have socially appropriate behaviors, and add to positive school culture.
3
When mental health challenges arise, having District-Employed Mental Health Professionals (e.g. school
counselors, school behavioral health professionals, school psychologists) or Co-located Mental Health
Professional on site at a school can dramatically increase a student’s access to and participation in mental
health services. The bottom line is that expanding student access to mental health support contributes to
their success.

1 The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory (2021). Protecting Youth Mental Health
2 Institute of Education Sciences (2022) School Pulse Panel
3 Youth.Gov (no date) School Based Mental Health. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health/school-based

48 FY22 Wellness Promotion Policy (WPP) Annual Report BACK to Menu