Public comment flags risk to student mental health services and Alameda High health center funding

What happened

During public comment at the February 24 meeting, Alameda Family Services representatives reported that cuts to Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding will eliminate districtwide Tier 1 student mental health prevention services, and that the medical partner for the Alameda High School-based health center will end services in April, jeopardizing the center's operations for at least 1,500 students.

Why it matters to families

Loss of Tier 1 mental health prevention services and the potential closure of the Alameda High health center represent a material risk to student wellbeing and access to on-campus health services, prompting the Board to consider a resolution urging county action.

The evidence

Minutes: 'Katherine Schwartz... stated that cuts to Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding will eliminate districtwide Tier 1 student mental health prevention services. She also noted that the medical partner for the Alameda High School Health Center will end services in April, putting the center's operations at risk.' Board Clerk Williams 'expressed concern over the potential closure of the Alameda High School-based health center... noting that this would impact at least 1,500 students' and 'proposed bringing a resolution at the next board meeting.'

The source