MSDE briefs board on rising youth mental‑health indicators, expands suicide-prevention and crisis supports

MSDE briefed the State Board on youth mental health data and the department’s prevention and response work, emphasizing rising indicators of depression and suicidal ideation in Maryland middle and high school students.

Dr. April Turner (School Psychology Supervisor) and Mary Gable summarized 2022 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data showing higher self‑reported sadness/hopelessness and increases in suicide consideration/planning since 2013; subgroups — including multiracial students and those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning — were flagged as particularly vulnerable. The presenters described contributing factors cited in national research such as sleep deprivation, social isolation and social‑media impacts.

MSDE reviewed the statutory and regulatory framework: Lauren’s Law (training for school counselors), subsequent requirements extending training to a broader set of certificated staff, updated COMAR regulations requiring annual suicide prevention training and emergency response planning under the Safe to Learn Act, and the role of LEA‑level behavioral health coordinators. Maryland’s School Mental Health Response Team provides on‑site support to LEAs after traumatic events; MSDE highlighted examples of FY25 grant applications (Baltimore County: Signs of Suicide; Calvert County: social skills training and resource fairs; Washington County: clinician training).

The board discussed next steps including model training materials, communication templates for LEAs, and further data collection strategies for adoption and implementation monitoring. MSDE said it will continue statewide webinars and professional development for clinicians and educators.