Each May, communities across the country join in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. This year, the School District of Lancaster proudly joins that effort by officially proclaiming May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month across our schools.
We know that mental health is health. It shapes how we learn, connect, grow, and thrive. And yet, for too many of our students, mental health challenges are a daily reality. The statistics are sobering:
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4 in 10 children report feeling persistently sad or hopeless each year
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2 in 10 seriously consider attempting suicide
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3 in 10 experience poor mental health
These numbers reflect real lives, our students, our neighbors, our friends. And while mental health struggles are common, they are too often hidden in silence and stigma.
At SDoL, we want every student, every staff member, and every family to know: it’s okay to talk about mental health. It’s okay to ask for help. And no one should have to face these challenges alone.
Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than raising awareness. It’s about listening with compassion, learning with intention, and taking action to build a culture where mental wellness is a shared priority. Our goal is to foster schools and communities where every person feels seen, supported, and safe.
The Board of Directors of the School District of Lancaster calls on all of us to join in this commitment by:
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Learning more about mental health and the resources available
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Speaking openly and respectfully about mental health to help end stigma
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Reaching out for support and encouraging others to do the same
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Supporting organizations and initiatives focused on mental health care
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Creating environments, at school, at home, and in our neighborhoods, where mental well-being is valued and protected
Together, we can create a community where mental health is not only prioritized during May but every day. Let’s stand with one another to ensure that all members of our district feel empowered to care for their mental health and well-being.
Thank you for being part of this vital work.