Half of all children in Wisconsin have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, according to a 2025 report from the Office of Children’s Mental Health. This data drove a national day of social action in Madison, where students from the Freedom Schools summer program marched through the city’s south side to raise awareness for youth mental health and wellbeing.
Why Youth Mental Health Statistics are Not Rebounding
Project Director Darlinne Kambwa reports that children’s mental health and wellness took a big hit, especially since Covid. Kambwa states that these numbers haven’t rebounded the way they’d like. This has led the Freedom Schools program to continue asking for action.
Did you know? The Freedom Schools program utilizes social action—such as the recent march in Madison—to raise awareness for youth mental health and wellbeing.
The Shift Toward Community-Based Advocacy
The Madison march involved students leading the advocacy for it. By carrying signs and leading staff and community members through neighborhoods, students are raising awareness.
When 50% of a state’s youth population faces a diagnosed condition, as the Office of Children’s Mental Health reports, the issue is a focus of public awareness.
Comparison: Clinical Diagnosis vs. Social Action
| Metric | Clinical Data (Office of Children’s Mental Health) | Social Action (Freedom Schools) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Diagnosis rates and prevalence | Public awareness and visibility |
| Goal | Quantifying the crisis | Asking for action |
Future Trends in School-Based Wellness Programs
The integration of programs like Freedom Schools shows summer learning tied to youth mental health and wellbeing. As the 2025 data highlights a persistent crisis, the program continues to ask for action.
Because the “hit” taken since Covid-19 remains visible in the data, the demand for mental health resources is a point of advocacy.
Pro Tip: Monitoring the reports from the Office of Children’s Mental Health can provide the necessary data to advocate for resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Wisconsin children have mental health diagnoses?
According to a 2025 report from the Office of Children’s Mental Health, half of Wisconsin kids have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
What is the Freedom Schools program?
It is a summer program that, in Madison, incorporates social action and advocacy to raise awareness for issues like youth mental health and wellbeing.
Why are students marching for mental health?
Students are marching to raise awareness and ask for action because mental health and wellness numbers have not rebounded the way they’d like since Covid, according to Project Director Darlinne Kambwa.
Join the Conversation: Do you think community marches are an effective way to bring attention to youth mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on local education and health trends.
