NJ Students and Mental Health: Why cutting 988 Funding is Dangerous.

In my 24 years of education, from Kindergarten teacher to Superintendent, I have championed the need for mental health services & resources for students and staff. Mental Health was taboo for a long time, but people are coming around more and more each day. Like all other students in the US (and the globe), New Jersey's students are grappling with an escalating mental health crisis. From the pressures of academics and social lives to the lingering effects of the pandemic and societal anxieties, young people are under immense stress. In this critical landscape, accessible mental health resources are not just beneficial – they are life-saving. That's why recent decisions to cut funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in New Jersey are deeply concerning and will undoubtedly harm our students.

The 988 hotline, launched as an easy-to-remember three-digit number, was designed to be a crucial entry point for individuals experiencing mental health crises. It connects callers to trained crisis counselors, offering immediate support for suicidal ideation, substance misuse, mental health crises, and any other emotional distress. For students, who often face barriers to traditional therapy or may be hesitant to speak to school staff, 988 provides a confidential, readily available lifeline.

The Impact on Students Will Be Severe.

Loss of Immediate Crisis Support: When a student is in a moment of despair, immediate help is paramount. Cuts to 988 funding could lead to longer wait times, reduced availability of trained counselors, or even the closure of local crisis receiving centers. This means students in urgent need might not get the timely intervention that could prevent a tragedy.

Increased Strain on Overwhelmed School Resources: New Jersey schools are already struggling to meet the mental health needs of their students. While the state has made some efforts to expand school-based mental health services, these programs are often stretched thin. When a vital external resource like 988 is weakened, the burden on school counselors, nurses, and teachers will only intensify, potentially leading to burnout and an inability to provide adequate support to all students.

Erosion of Trust and Awareness: The 988 hotline has been promoted as a critical resource, and awareness campaigns have aimed to ensure students know where to turn. Funding cuts send a contradictory message, undermining public trust in the availability and reliability of these services. This could lead to fewer students reaching out when they need help the most.

Compounding an Existing Crisis: New Jersey has seen a sharp increase in depression, anxiety, and stress among its teenagers and young adults. While the state has invested in programs like NJ4S (New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services network), which aims to provide preventive and brief intervention services, crisis support remains a significant unmet need. Reducing funding for 988 directly impacts this crucial crisis support infrastructure, making a challenging situation even worse.

What's at Stake?

The well-being and futures of New Jersey's students are at stake. Mental health is not a luxury; it's a fundamental component of a student's ability to learn, thrive, and contribute to society. When we cut funding for essential mental health services like the 988 hotline, we are not just saving money – we are risking lives and undermining the potential of an entire generation.

It's imperative that New Jersey policymakers understand the profound consequences of these funding cuts. Investing in mental health support for our students is not an expense; it's an investment in a healthier, more resilient future for our state. We must advocate for the full and robust funding of the 988 hotline and all mental health services that serve our young people, ensuring that every student knows they have somewhere to turn in times of crisis.