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The declining mental health of our nation’s children is the “defining public health crisis of our time,” according to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who has previously called out social media as a driving force behind the surge in children’s mental health challenges.

Currently, one in six U.S. children will experience a mental health condition in any given time, per the National Alliance on Mental Illness, with 50% of all lifetime mental health conditions beginning before the age of 14.

Meanwhile, more than 2.7 million children and adolescents are living with severe depression, according to Mental Health America, with 60% of youth with major depression receiving no mental health treatment.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for psychological services has reached all-time highs, especially for children. As mental health crises are on the rise, mental health experts say it’s important for schools to implement mental health strategies at their campuses that help children gain access to mental health resources.

In the Rio Grande Valley, the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Police Department is not only committed to ensuring the safety of its 33,000-plus students and 4,000 staff members, as well as parents and visitors to the district’s 44 elementary, middle and high schools. Edinburg C.I.S.D. officers, led by Chief of Police Ricardo Perez Jr., work closely with campus administrators and staff, as well as local mental health facilities like South Texas Health System Behavioral, to ensure students experiencing mental health challenges receive the support they need, especially those in crisis.

“Chief Perez has invested a great deal of time to help educate his police officers and security guards on the importance of being sensitive to those suffering from mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder,” says Linda Cantu, MEd, LPC, Intake Department Director, South Texas Health System Behavioral, who has worked closely with the chief and his staff over the years. “He supports his staff’s efforts in seeking out mental health resources, including services available outside of the school district, to help students maintain their mental health stability.” 

To date, Chief Perez and his team of police officers and security guards have impacted the lives of more than 920 students through their early intervention techniques and helped prevent nearly 625 children and teenagers from attempting to take their own lives through suicide. It’s all part of the chief’s initiative-taking approach to saving precious lives.

“Chief Perez has taught his staff to use good judgment in discerning whether emergent services are needed. When they’re advised of a student experiencing a mental health crisis, he trusts their judgment in seeking out an emergency detention order to ensure they get the treatment they need,” said Cantu. “Often times, parents are in denial that their child needs help or they don’t realize their outcries are signs of mental distress. Thankfully, Edinburg C.I.S.D. officers can help get them the help they need before they hurt themselves or others, even when their parents aren’t always in agreement. While it can lead to an uncomfortable position for the officers, they manage each case with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity.” 

To recognize Chief Perez’s unwavering commitment to the mental health and well-being of the students enrolled at Edinburg C.I.S.D. and his exceptional leadership in creating a department that understands the importance of sensitivity and compassion when it comes to helping individuals in crisis for nearly 15 years, South Texas Health System honored him its Hometown Heroes Award, which is presented to exceptional first responders for their outstanding service in the call of duty, during a special ceremony at the Edinburg C.I.S.D. Administration Offices.

“He has exemplified the importance of seeking mental health services at the slightest sign of instability, making him a true Hometown Hero,” said Cantu.

Chief Perez received the award in the presence of Dr. Mario H. Salinas, Superintendent of Schools for Edinburg C.I.S.D, members of the school board, Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, City of Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala and Edinburg C.I.S.D. staff members.

“As the leader of this organization, I am so proud of this selection because Chief Perez deserves it,” said Dr. Salinas. “Mental health concerns are universal; all families have them. So, the chief’s recognition demonstrates to parents of our students that the school district really does care about the mental health and well-being of their children. Chief Perez is deeply committed to the well-being physically and mentally of our students.” 

It’s all in a day’s work for Chief Perez, who was humbled and honored to receive the STHS Hometown Heroes Award. And he’s grateful for the support he received from Edinburg C.I.S.D. leaders, staff and local mental health authorities to help students struggling with their mental health.

“If they suffer from anxiety, distress, bullying-related complications or psychological issues, we as police officers must step in to ensure their safety and the safety of others, if they’re a threat to themselves or others,” says Perez, whose mother worked as a mental health professional. “So, we pride ourselves on being able to work closely with the district’s team of licensed professional counselors and local hospitals like STHS Behavioral for guidance and support in ensuring the mental well-being of our students, no matter the time or day.”

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or get to the nearest emergency room. For physical health emergencies, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.