The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services convened on April 17, 2023, to address pressing issues surrounding youth mental health in California. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for enhanced support and resources for young people grappling with mental health challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Ewing opened the discussion by emphasizing California's unparalleled capacity for academic research and innovation, asserting that the state has the potential to tackle significant health challenges if political and financial resources are effectively mobilized. He underscored the importance of investing in mental health initiatives, particularly those aimed at youth, to foster transformational change.

Fiona Liu, a high school senior and youth advocate, shared her personal experiences with mental health struggles exacerbated by the pandemic. She described how isolation and the abrupt shift to remote learning led to increased anxiety and depression among her peers. Liu pointed out the stigma surrounding mental health in her community, particularly among immigrant families, and called for more resources to educate parents about mental health issues. She stressed the critical role schools play in shaping a supportive environment for students, advocating for reforms in school policies that currently prioritize punitive measures over mental health support.

Cassie Poles, another youth advocate, provided statistics illustrating the mental health crisis in California, noting that nearly one in seven adults and one in fourteen children experience mental health issues. She highlighted the significant number of individuals with unmet mental health needs, many of whom cannot afford care. Poles recounted her own struggles to access timely mental health services, emphasizing the systemic failures that have worsened since the pandemic.

The testimonies from Liu and Poles reflect a broader call for systemic change in how mental health is approached in California, particularly for youth. The subcommittee's discussions underscored the necessity for increased funding and resources to address the mental health crisis, with a focus on education, stigma reduction, and accessible care.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the state must prioritize mental health initiatives to support its youth, ensuring that they have the resources and understanding necessary to navigate their challenges. The discussions set the stage for potential policy changes aimed at improving mental health services and support systems for California's young population.