Children are enduring unprecedented rates of anxiety and depression. In Pennsylvania, 50% of children who died by suicide in 2021 never had a prior mental health diagnosis. The social, emotional, and developmental health needs of our children are not being met. The Commonwealth must adopt reforms to ensure there is a sustainable system of services delivered in school and community-based settings where youth have year-round access to quality mental health supports.
We believe the time is now for Pennsylvania to respond more comprehensively to the mental health needs of our children and must act on collaborative and quality mental health reform that ensures every child in the Commonwealth has equitable access to a continuum of services.