All educators understand that this is a critical time to support student mental health, but here are just a few of the statistics that compelled VNMF to arise and call for provision of resources to high school students to help them prioritize their emotional well-being and get the help they need and deserve. 

• In 2021, more than 40% of high school students said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness (CDC, 2021). 
• 22% of high school students reported having serious thoughts of suicide in the past year (CDC, 2022). 
• 27.6% of college students have a positive suicidal screening (ACHA-NCHA, Spring 2022).
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 34.

VNMF is committed to lowering these numbers. 

VNMF  has identified areas critical to helping teens and young adults manage their mental health, including:

• The ability to build healthy and meaningful relationships with others.
• Understanding and acceptance of those who may be different from themselves.
• Empathy for others and the ability to think critically about a situation.
• Being able to communicate their wants and needs, especially in a crisis.
• Perseverance, willingness to face challenges, and openness to constructive feedback.