LANCASTER, CA – Yesterday, Rep. George Whitesides joined a roundtable at Lancaster High School with Antelope Valley Union High School District Superintendent Gregory Nehen and local educators, school counselors, and social workers. The roundtable was dedicated to discussing student achievement, how social media in the digital age impacts student mental health, and how educators and elected officials can address the challenges to improve educational outcomes.
“Supporting student mental health starts with listening to those who see these challenges every day, which is why I sat down with educators and counselors in the Antelope Valley Union High School District to hear directly about what students are experiencing and ensure my work in Congress is informed by what’s happening in classrooms,” said Rep. Whitesides. “I’m also working to advance bipartisan solutions and secure federal investments that expand access to mental health support, strengthen school-based services, and give students the tools they need to succeed. Conversations like this are critical to better understanding how the changing digital landscape is shaping student well-being and how we can deliver meaningful solutions.”
“The Antelope Valley Union High School District commends Congressman Whitesides for convening this roundtable and for recognizing the critical importance of student mental health,” said AVUHSD Superintendent Greg Nehen. “The firsthand insights and experiences of our front-line personnel—teachers, counselors, and mental health professionals—are invaluable. Bringing their perspectives directly into this conversation is a crucial step toward developing the necessary resources and policies to effectively support the well-being and academic success of every student in our district.”
Rep. Whitesides is working to advance several bipartisan bills aimed at expanding access to mental health care for students, including the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act, the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act, and the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act. Together, these efforts focus on strengthening the pipeline of school-based mental health professionals, improving access to crisis resources, and increasing the availability of mental health services in schools.
In addition, Rep. Whitesides has advocated through the appropriations process for increased federal funding for youth mental health programs, support for students impacted by violence, and initiatives that provide hands-on workforce training and youth leadership opportunities.
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