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October 25, 2026 | By Washington County Community Foundation

New Emily’s Light Fund at WCCF to Support Youth Mental Health

Our kids are not OK, and it’s time we started listening.

One in three high school students in the United States experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among these students, only about one-third reported receiving counseling or therapy, while another third reported an unmet need for mental health care. Behind these statistics are young people who are desperate for access to care, connection, and support as they navigate mental health challenges.