Scene of a discussion Thursday at Santa Fe High School on mental health support in schools with U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

SANTA FE — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to tour Santa Fe High School and participate in a discussion Thursday with students and school counselors on the importance of mental health support in schools.

The Senator also discussed the COVID-19 relief funding he delivered through the American Rescue Plan and other legislation that increased federal support f0r schools to meet students’ mental health needs and respond to the pandemic.

Last year, Sen. Luján passed a resolution recognizing May 2021 as “Mental Health Awareness Month” to highlight the importance of mental health and plans to reintroduce this resolution next month.

“It is heartbreaking to witness the spike in mental health struggles among young people in the last few years. But I want students to know how inspired I am by your strength and courage – and that it’s okay to ask for help or reach out to someone who may be struggling,” Luján said. “I’m proud to have supported efforts in Congress to increase federal support for students’ mental health needs and their return to the classroom. Thanks to this funding and the work of dedicated school leaders and counselors, students in Santa Fe High School are creating a community of trust and healing that is a model for other schools around the nation. I look forward to continuing working with New Mexico education leaders, Secretary Cardona, and my Senate colleagues to ensure schools have the resources they need to set students up for success.”