By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com
Santa Barbara Unified School District has celebrated the successful launch of several mental health initiatives aimed at providing students with accessible and comprehensive support.
These efforts, known as the Culture of Care, are the result of student advocacy and collaboration with community partners to address the growing need for mental health resources in schools.
Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado highlighted the pivotal role students played in shaping these programs, emphasizing that their voices have been the driving force behind the district’s push for improved mental health services.
For years, the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, a group of dedicated students, has consistently raised concerns about the importance of mental health, reinforcing the findings of the district’s annual Panorama survey, which collects feedback from families, students, and staff.
The district recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the culmination of several key initiatives.
Among them is the installation of suicide prevention signs along railroad tracks near San Marcos High School, a project initiated by students in response to the tragic loss of a classmate.
With support from State Senator Monique Limón, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, and Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, these signs now provide critical resources and guidance to those in crisis.
Limón praised the collaborative efforts, acknowledging the students’ leadership in pushing forward the Culture of Care campaign and advocating for rail safety measures across Santa Barbara County.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, students have spearheaded an information campaign to ensure greater access to mental health resources.
The district’s website has been redesigned to prominently display available services, while messages of affirmation and direct links to support networks are now distributed to student iPads via StudentSquare.
A student-led video campaign is set to launch in the coming weeks, further promoting awareness and engagement with mental health services.
Another milestone in the district’s mental health efforts is the establishment of Wellness Centers at every high school and a pilot program at a junior high school. These centers serve as dedicated spaces where students can access social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health support.
Thanks to contributions from local philanthropists, the centers are equipped with calming sensory corners, wellness resources, board games, and iPads to connect students with additional online support.
