John,

We are in a youth mental health epidemic.

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40 percent increase since 2009. In 2019, approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan, a 44% increase since 2009.

That’s especially true here in Pennsylvania. We have the third-highest rate of major depressive episodes among children in the nation.

And this issue is personal for me and my family. My eldest, Sariel, has major depressive disorder and ADHD and at just 15, survived a suicide attempt. But the good news is, there are things we can do to ease this crisis. 

We got Sariel the help they needed, and though it is an extremely challenging and expensive ongoing process, they are now doing so much better. But I shudder to think about what would have happened if we were one of so many Pennsylvania families who aren’t fortunate enough to have the disposable income and resources to get their children the help they need. 

It’s just not right. And we need to elect politicians who will take action. 

I support Governor Wolf’s plan to expand recovery efforts, eliminate barriers that keep inflicted patients from receiving necessary treatment, and continue to create pathways for individuals in recovery to rebuild their lives.

As a state senator, I will fight tirelessly to ensure that no other family has to go through what mine has experienced. 

But John, I cannot do this without your grassroots support. I know our team is one of the strongest out there and I whole-heartedly believe that, together, we can help everyone find their path to recovery, and ultimately, a better life for themselves and future generations. Will you chip in to fight the youth mental health epidemic?

Thank you for being with me in this fight.

– Ann Marie