As 2021 comes to a close, the Copley Fairlawn City School District has placed an increased focus on mental health. A concerning number of students have either struggled to reach out for help when experiencing mental health difficulties or are unaware of how to do so. We grieve the tragedies that have occurred in the last few years and are concerned for the future.

In the midst of these circumstances, the administration and staff have initiated new programs in the hopes of helping students in need. They anticipate that this will spread awareness about the importance of mental health.

So far, the school has held emotional screenings, surveys and videos about mental health during academic learning labs. These first steps are a relief, but we believe more can be done. For example, our school has only one mental health counselor. This makes it difficult for the significant number of students who may be in need to make a timely appointment. It is also unknown whether or not students are being honest on the screening surveys.

With regard to these factors, students should also be made aware of the warning signs of mental health struggles. Finally, the administration should stress the important point that no student is alone, and that people are standing by to help.