Velis calls attention to youth mental health crisis

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Following a CDC release showing worsening mental health statistics among high schoolers, State Senator John Velis is calling for improved behavioral health support in schools.

Velis says the findings in this report are consistent with what he has heard from students, parents, and educators in Youth Mental Health Listening Sessions.

This report uses the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, noting that 40% of high schoolers report feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and marginalized groups are more likely to report suicidal thoughts.

“Just a lot of challenges, a lot of pressures, a lot of bullying, a lot of things that’re going on that are echoed in this report that are completely consistent with what I saw,” said Velis in an interview with 22News.

A pilot program meant to improve behavioral health issues among school-age youth will be launched in Agawam this school year, which was created based on feedback from Velis’ listening sessions.

“If a student presents with behavioral health concerns, we’ll say, they’re going to be able to pick up a phone and call a hotline,” explained Velis.

The senator says he will be resuming his youth mental health listening sessions this fall.

Velis told 22News that all of his best ideas come from conversations with constituents, and encouraged students and families who want to share their stories or ideas about youth mental health to contact his office.

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