Dear Colleague,

As we recognize Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4–10) and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 8), the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) extends deep appreciation to the school mental health professionals and educators who support the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents every day. Your work—grounded in compassion, evidence, and persistence—makes a profound difference.

While we continue to see rising rates of anxiety and depression among youth, we also know that schools are uniquely positioned to serve as hubs of healing and hope. Through a comprehensive, multi-tiered system of support, schools can foster mental health literacy, teach coping and social-emotional skills, and provide individualized services when needed.

We are encouraged by data showing signs of resilience: four out of five children under age five and three out of five youth ages 6 to 17 are meeting key indicators of flourishing. These strengths are made possible in large part by the consistent, caring presence of school staff who nurture students' growth every day.

Let us use this moment not only to celebrate but to move towards action related to policies and investments that expand and sustain school mental health supports. Together, we can build a future where all children thrive.