Help Ensure Mental Health Care Is Accessible to Every Child in the U.S.

In the United States, students were experiencing widespread mental health distress before COVID-19: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019 suicide was the second leading cause of death among children and adolescents ages 13 to 19 — and the leading cause of death among 13-year-olds. Soaring rates of mental health challenges among children, adolescents, and their families over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic led the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations to declare a National State of Emergency in Children's Mental Health.

Now more than ever, we need to ensure every child has access to mental health services, particularly the most vulnerable including LGBTQ, Black, and indigenous children, children of color, and children with disabilities.

We need your help to ensure mental health care is available and accessible to every child who needs it. A slate of bills has been introduced in Congress to invest in the mental health needs of children and youth in the U.S.: The Mental Health Services for Students Act (H.R.721 / S.1841), Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (H.R.1475 / S.1781), and The STANDUP Act (H.R.586 / S.1543).

All three pieces of legislation have passed the House. Now, we need the Senate to act. Contact your Senators and urge them to cosponsor and pass all three bills!

Dear [Legislator Title] [Legislator Last Name],


As your constituent and a UNICEF supporter, I am deeply concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and youth in the U.S.  


In the United States, students were experiencing widespread mental health distress before COVID-19: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019 suicide was the second leading cause of death among children and adolescents ages 13 to 19 — and the leading cause of death among 13-year-olds. The pandemic is making things worse:  soaring rates of mental health challenges among children led the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and others to declare a National State of Emergency in Children's Mental Health.


Now more than ever, we need to ensure every child has access to mental health services. Investments in prevention and early intervention with children and adolescents pay immediate dividends, create significant savings down the line, and ultimately help keep our kids alive.


A package of federal legislation has been introduced with the goal of investing in the mental health needs of children and youth in the U.S.:


The Mental Health Services for Students Act (S.1841): legislation that would provide grant funding for schools to provide on-site, culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for students.


Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (S.1781): first comprehensive federal legislation to address increasing suicide rates and mental health disorders among Black youth.


The STANDUP Act (S.1543): legislation that would provide resources and technical assistance to states, tribes and schools on student suicide prevention awareness and training.


I urge the Senate to follow the House of Representatives in passing all three pieces of legislation to help our children and youth thrive especially as they navigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Thank you for considering my request and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,


[Advocate First Name] [Advocate Last Name]

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