Santa Barbara Unified School District announces landmark mental health initiatives

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara Unified School District is excited about the implementation of several key mental health initiatives.

Students are trying out the newly developed Wellness Center at Dos Pueblos High School.

"I’m excited because I think it will make a really big difference on how productive and happy students are here on campus," said student Pessia Fygenson of Dos Pueblos High School.

For years, the district’s superintendent’s advisory committee, made up of students, has raised concerns about mental health.

"Mental health is just about how you live and how you can make a difference in the world and it’s important to take care of yourself so that you can take care of others," said Fygenson.

In order to do this, Santa Barbara Unified along with its students worked hard to implement several mental health initiatives called the Culture of Care.

"Students told us about ways that they need to manage themselves and more importantly what I love about this generation of students … they’ve been really pushing us to normalize asking for help," said superintendent Hilda Maldonado of the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

The Wellness Center offers designated spaces for students to get social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health services.

So far, they’re loving it.

“It is a very nice calming place where i would be comfortable any time of the day," said student Anastasia Brunner of Dos Pueblos High School.

The district hopes to eventually add a wellness center to every school.

"Used to just go to the bathroom when we’re having like an anxiety attack or something and it’s really nice to come here instead and have the calming music a support that you can talk to and also just like some sensory things to calm down," said Fygension.

So far, wellness centers have been established at each high school and a pilot junior high.

“Our students have been the driving force behind these critical initiatives,” stated Dr. Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent of Santa Barbara Unified. “Their advocacy and leadership have been instrumental in creating a more supportive and responsive environment for all students.”

This week, the school district is celebrating these initiatives:

• Suicide Prevention Signs: In response to the tragic loss of a student at San Marcos High School last year, students advocated for the installation of suicide prevention signs along nearby railroad tracks. Through collaboration with State Senator Monique Limon’s office, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, and Santa Barbara County BWell, these signs have been installed near San Marcos High School and the Tatum property, providing vital resources and support.
• Information Campaign: Recognizing the need for improved access to mental health resources, students led a comprehensive review and redesign of the district’s website to feature these resources prominently. Utilizing StudentSquare, the district is now sharing messages of affirmation and direct links to essential resources via student iPads. A student-led video campaign will also launch in the coming weeks.
• Wellness Centers: Wellness Centers have been established at each high school and a pilot junior high, offering designated spaces for students to access social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health services. Thanks to the generosity of local philanthropists, the centers have been equipped with calming and sensory corners, positive affirmations, board games, wellness resources, and iPads for accessing online support.