WASHINGTON, DC – Greek-American Congressman John P. Sarbanes who represents Maryland’s Third Congressional District released the following statement on June 7 concerning bolstering health services for students:

Children and adolescents today are facing growing mental health challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and gun violence crisis. We must act to meet the acute need for mental and behavioral health services in all communities and keep our children safe and healthy.

I recently held a roundtable with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano to discuss efforts to protect students’ health and well-being.

Our conversation focused on the current state of mental health services for children and teens as well as the path forward for providing crucial health services for every student that needs them. One of the most powerful tools we have to meet the growing demand for these services is School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs).

I have long led the effort in Congress to boost and strengthen SBHCs, which play a critical role in providing high-quality and comprehensive primary and preventative health care, mental health services, social services and youth development services, especially for underserved populations.

I’ve been pleased to lead efforts to secure more than $35 million in federal funding for SBHCs over the last two years and I’m fighting for even more in Fiscal Year 2023.

I will continue my work to ensure children have what they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom. Now is exactly the time to step up for children in Maryland and across the country.

Sincerely,

John P. Sarbanes

Maryland’s Third Congressional District