It is said that in order to influence change, it is best to start with local advocacy. That is precisely what I have been doing with my being involved with the effort to help the mental health of students in Killingly CT.

Some backstory: Due to the pandemic, like many other localities, there was an increased rate of anxiety and students suffering from mental health issues in Killingly. In light of those facts, there was a proposal for a mental health center at the high school which would have operated at no cost to the town. In March, the plan was presented to the town Board of Education, but it was voted down. Week after week, parents and students beseeched the Board to approve the center, to no avail. The Board and opponents cited concerns about lack of parental involvement, even though parents have been involved in similar kinds of programs in other school districts. Culture war politics was also a reason, with opponents saying they were worried that therapists would try talk to kids about topics such as Abortion, LGBT, or Birth Control. One board member even dismissed a survey showing that 14 percent of students had created a suicide plan, saying “kids will say anything”. Due to continuing resistance from the Killingly Board of Ed, the mental health center advocates asked the State Board of Education to launch an investigation, claiming that the well-being of students was not being provided. The State started their investigation in Mid April, and published a report a few weeks ago.

When I started reading about this in the news, it struck a nerve. I had a mental health crisis in high school which landed me in the hospital, so I knew what these students were going through. I proceeded to contact the parent who is spearheading the complaint after reading her name in the paper, and told her I wanted to help.

I’ve attended a rally at the State Capitol, written letters to the editor, and attended two state Board of Ed meetings, including one this past Wednesday where I spoke in favor of the Mental Health Center during the public comment section. At the meeting, the State Board of Ed voted in favor of an official inquiry where action could be taken to make Killingly provide mental health care.

It feels good to advocate for something locally, especially when you get the chance to comment in a public forum. You have a better chance of making a difference, or at least feeling like you’re making a difference. That is my advice to people who want to effect change; start locally. This isn’t groundbreaking advice, but it is advice I am willing to repeat. I will keep you updated on this matter going forward.

Have you people advocated for something in your community? Comment below.

https://ctmirror.org/…/ct-killingly-mental-health…/

https://ctmirror.org/…/how-politics-derailed-mental…/