Press Release
Crisis in Youth Mental Health Services as Federal Funding Cuts Leave NJ Students Vulnerable
In a devastating blow to students grappling with mental health issues, the Trump administration has canceled nearly $1 billion in federal funding for school-based mental health services. This decision forces New Jersey’s Department of Education to terminate a crucial, $15 million initiative aimed at increasing access to mental health professionals in schools two years ahead of schedule. Advocates are expressing outrage, underscoring the severity of the mental health crisis among children in the state, which has only worsened post-COVID-19.
Julie Larrea Borst, Executive Director of Save Our Schools New Jersey, highlights the dire need for trained professionals, noting the troubling increase in anxiety, depression, and suicides among youth in New Jersey. The cessation of the five-year program, which had extended services to over 40,000 students and added 68 mental health professionals statewide, will leave many without vital support.
Governor Phil Murphy criticized the federal decision, calling for a unified approach to bolster mental health resources. Schools across the state, including Jersey City, face significant setbacks with additional funding cancellations, potentially impacting thousands of students. As New Jersey expands state-funded mental health resources, advocates urge continued investment in youth mental health support.
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