Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) has implemented several key mental health initiatives, acknowledged at a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Called the Culture of Care, the efforts are driven by student voices and community collaboration, and address the urgent need for accessible mental health support, the district said.

Students, who are credited with getting the Culture of Care initiatives off the ground, stand for a photo and hold up a suicide hotline 988 number. (Courtesy photo)
Students are credited with getting the Culture of Care initiatives off the ground. (Courtesy photo)

“Our students have been the driving force behind these critical initiatives,” said 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.”

For years, the district’s student-led superintendent’s advisory committee has consistently raised concerns about mental health. The concerns were further validated by the district’s annual Panorama survey, which gathers feedback from families, students and staff.

“I am proud to have been able to work with student leaders and the Santa Barbara Unified School District in advancing the objectives of their Culture of Care campaign,” said State Sen. Monique Limón.

“Together, we were able to make much needed rail safety additions throughout Santa Barbara County thanks to their collaboration and the work of LOSSAN and Santa Barbara Behavioral Wellness” she said.

The ceremony celebrated the convergence of the following 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 Limon’s office, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, and Santa Barbara County BWell, the signs have been installed near San Marcos High 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 redesigned the district’s website to feature these resources prominently.

Using StudentSquare, the district is sharing messages of affirmation and direct links to essential resources via student iPads. A student-led video campaign will also get started 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 local philanthropists, the centers have been equipped with calming and sensory corners, positive affirmations, board games, wellness resources, and iPads for accessing online support.

Santa Barbara Unified extends its sincere gratitude to the students, staff, families, and community partners who have contributed to these vital initiatives.