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Youth Council panel highlights student survey, urges more funding and school-based access to mental-health care
Summary
Cape Coral Youth Council members presented survey results and hosted mental-health experts on April 7, 2026; panelists called for more funding, earlier intervention and expanded school-based services, and described a nonprofit crisis service that diverts 92–94% of school calls from hospitalization.
The Cape Coral Youth Council convened a special meeting on April 7, 2026 to discuss youth mental health after the council presented the results of a youth survey and hosted a panel of regional experts.
The council said the Oasis High School survey covered 924 enrolled students and that the Youth Council received 214 responses. The responses, the council said, repeatedly cited academic pressure, high stress, feelings of isolation and hesitancy to seek help because of stigma or fear of not being taken seriously.
Panelists — Heather Cross, CEO of the Center for Progress and Excellence (CPE); Dr. Dawn Belomarch, president and CEO of the Collaboratory; Nicole Liberto, system director for behavioral health at Lee Health; Lori Brooks, director of physical and mental health services for the Lee County School District; and Cape Coral Police Officer…
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