Matea Valley High School advocates for funding to restore vital mental health services for students

During the DuPage County Board meeting on December 10, 2024, urgent discussions centered around the critical need for mental health services for students at Matea Valley High School in Indian Prairie District 204. Amanda Pisac, the school’s mental health coordinator, highlighted the expiration of the Indian Prairie Cares program, which had provided essential free counseling services to students and families over the past two years. This program, funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, ended in June 2024, leaving many students without necessary support.

Pisac emphasized that for many students, the Cares program was their only access to mental health services, particularly for those lacking insurance or facing long wait times for county services. She noted that students with better financial resources often had smoother transitions back to school after hospitalization, while those with limited resources struggled to meet their mental health needs, impacting their readiness to learn.

Bridget Luke, a licensed clinical social worker at the same school, echoed these concerns, stating that the mental health needs of students are at an all-time high. She reported that the absence of the Cares program has left many students without immediate access to counseling, which is crucial for their emotional well-being and academic success. Luke urged the board to consider funding to reinstate the Cares program, which had received high satisfaction ratings from families.

Both Pisac and Luke called for the inclusion of the Matea Valley Cares project in the newly created board member initiatives program, aiming to restore no-cost after-school mental health services for low-income students. Their appeals reflect a growing recognition of the mental health crisis among youth and the need for community support to address these challenges.

The meeting also touched on other topics, including a proposal concerning the fairgrounds location, but the focus remained on the pressing need for mental health resources in the community. As the board considers its next steps, the voices of educators and mental health professionals underscore the importance of prioritizing student well-being in DuPage County.