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Students describe peer-led wellness centers as ripple effect for mental health support
Summary
Five student wellness peers from across Ventura Unified told the board their programs build peer leadership and lower barriers to mental-health supports; staff said grant funding has been reduced and general funds now cover half of operating costs for this year.
Five students from four Ventura Unified schools told the district governing board on Aug. 27 about how peer-led wellness centers are being used to reach classmates and connect them to counseling and resources.
Emily Sagero, a wellness peer at Data Middle School, said peers lead stress-management activities, mindfulness sessions and lunchtime events that make the center less intimidating for students who have not visited before. "The wellness center is an important place to me because I can always go to talk to Miss Salas when I need to talk about a problem," she said.
Maline Pierce of Buena High School described the program as sustained, participatory work rather than occasional one-off events. "Being a peer is about being a part of the…
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