1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

REJECT cuts to children’s mental health funding, and SUPPORT federal investments in school-based mental health services, children’s behavioral health systems, and crisis support for vulnerable students. Last year, you people cut nearly $1 billion from school-based mental health grants that helped high-need schools recruit and train counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. Now, the administration is targeting roughly $2 billion more from children’s behavioral health systems. Schools are already struggling to meet rising student mental health needs. Cutting federal support will lead to fewer trained professionals, reduced early intervention, and more pressure on educators who are not meant to replace mental health providers. The students most likely to be harmed are the students already facing attacks and systemic barriers. LGBTQ+ students need affirming, specialized support, especially after the shutdown of the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program. Black students need culturally responsive care and school environments that recognize the impact of racism, discrimination, and inequity. Immigrant students need support as raids, detention threats, and family separation create fear and trauma. Students with disabilities need fully funded services, trained staff, and access to mental health supports that meet their needs. In other words: IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT. WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU??? FIX IT. OPPOSE cuts to children’s mental health funding, restore and expand school-based mental health grants, protect crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth, and invest in behavioral health systems that support children and families. Children need and deserve help, stability, and trained adults they can trust. Fund, don’t cut, mental health care for kids.