Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced a bold $10 million investment to combat youth violence and bolster mental health support. This comprehensive strategy, outlined in an executive order, focuses on expanding telehealth access, addressing gun violence, and implementing preventative measures for the city’s youth.
Key components include increasing telehealth therapy access from 80 to 2,000 students and launching a “100 Days of Action” violence prevention campaign. The plan also emphasizes mental health education, early intervention, and proactive screening in high schools.
Initial spending includes $2.4 million for telehealth services, guided by feedback from over 150 students. Additional measures include safe passage initiatives and enhanced police presence around Garfield High School.
The city also launched a public awareness campaign under the Reach Out Seattle initiative, aiming to increase the use of mental health resources. Seattle remains committed to spending $24 million annually on youth enrichment programs, ensuring a holistic approach to youth safety and well-being.
