Representative Ro Khanna expressed his appreciation for the successful launch of the Milpitas High School Wellness Center, a groundbreaking initiative that received $300,000 in federal funding secured by Khanna himself.
Khanna had secured this funding as a part of a community project funding of the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2022. He emphasized the critical need for Congress to invest in mental health resources within schools, a sentiment shared by parents and educators.
“One of the questions I get asked the most by parents and teachers in my district is how we can solve the mental health crisis among kids. It’s time for Congress to step up and invest in expanding mental health resources in schools,” Khanna said in a statement.
The wellness center at Milpitas High School aims to provide students with essential mental health resources and support to help them thrive. Within the first two months of its operation, the center has accommodated 554 student visits, including 130 repeat visitors and 16 students in crisis.
“As we celebrate the new MHS Wellness Center, I want to thank the county superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, MUSD superintendent Cheryl Jordan, and all of the teachers in Silicon Valley for their incredible work in our community,” the representative said.
Executive director Doerpinghaus emphasized the center’s important role in addressing the mental health needs of students. Students like Janvi Balakrishnan, a MHS sophomore said in the report that the place served as “a place where I don’t have to be lonely. I’m very grateful that our campus has a place that makes everyone feel included.”
Prarthana Prasad, another student, added, “It’s a really good environment where I can find resources that can help me just get back to my normal state. It’s just amazing. I never thought that this would come true.”
The opening ceremony was held earlier in November and was attended by various stakeholders such as Khanna himself, Senator Aisha Wahab, and County Board Supervisor Otto Lee.
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