In a pivotal meeting held on May 30, 2025, the District of Columbia's Committee on Health, led by Chairperson Christina Henderson, gathered to discuss the urgent need for enhanced funding for mental health services in schools. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as educators, advocates, and students shared their experiences and insights on the pressing mental health challenges facing young people today.

Among the voices heard was that of a clinician from the Healthy Futures program, who emphasized the critical role of behavioral health support in schools. She highlighted the importance of having specialized clinicians to assist teachers in addressing the social and emotional needs of students. The clinician passionately advocated for the preservation of a $3.2 million budget allocation, which is essential for hiring more creative clinicians and providing necessary support services to families navigating mental health challenges.

Nadia Goldmaritz, executive director of the Young Women's Project, also took the stand, urging the committee to allocate $150,000 in the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) budget for a school-based behavioral health peer educator pilot program. This initiative, which has already trained over 250 young people, aims to connect students with mental health resources and support. Goldmaritz underscored the alarming statistics from a recent survey, revealing that 31% of youth reported experiencing depression and 13% had contemplated suicide. She stressed that peer educators can reach students in ways that adults often cannot, making their role vital in addressing mental health issues.

Ayanna Fadero, a junior at School Without Walls High School, echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal struggles with stress and the need for more accessible mental health resources in schools. She called for the same $150,000 funding request, emphasizing the importance of peer support and the need for more mental health professionals to ensure that students receive the help they need.

Tracy German, director of student support services at Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School, provided a perspective on the mental health needs of adult learners. She recounted the significant impact of having an on-site clinician and the challenges faced when that support was lost. German urged the council to enhance funding for school-based behavioral health programs, highlighting the necessity of consistent mental health resources for all learners, regardless of age.

As the meeting concluded, the testimonies painted a clear picture of the urgent need for increased funding and resources to support mental health in schools. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of these vital programs, as advocates and community members continue to push for the mental health support that students and adults alike desperately need. The call for action is clear: without adequate funding, the mental health crisis among youth and adults in the District of Columbia will only deepen, leaving many without the support necessary to thrive.