In the aftermath of a series of student suicides within the Chandler Unified School District, including three within 10 days, a group of Valley teens in Chandler, AZ took action to improve mental health care for students across the state. Among them were Riana Alexander and Maya Lehti, who have also grappled with mental health issues.
In response to these tragedies, they formed the nonprofit Arizona Students for Mental Health (AZSFMH) along with other students. The organization meets every two weeks to share their experiences and advocate for better mental health resources in schools. Arizona ranks 49th in the country for high rates of mental illness in kids and low access to care, highlighting the critical need for improved support.
According to Alexander, being a high school student is challenging on its own, and dealing with mental health issues without support can be even more difficult. The group aims to amplify student voices and provide a direct perspective to school districts so that decisions about mental health support take into account the needs of teens. If you’re interested in learning more about AZSFMH or getting involved, visit their website for more information.
