NC high school mental health improves

The 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, presented at the United States — State Board of Education meeting on August 5, 2026, shows that United States — North Carolina high school students' mental health and substance use have returned to pre-pandemic levels. The percentage of students feeling sad or hopeless dropped to 29.7% from 43.4% in 2021, and those seriously considering suicide fell to 11.4%, the lowest in 20 years. Alcohol use reached a historic low of 16%, marijuana use dropped to a 20-year low of 10.6%, and vaping fell to 13%. The survey, conducted by the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with states, included responses from 1,692 students in 25 schools. Officials credited post-pandemic investments in mental health services, including $29 million in grants from the United States — United States Department of Education and a $4.8 million grant for school psychologist interns. Despite progress, officials noted ongoing challenges, including a shortage of school psychologists and 14% of students reporting unmet mental health counseling needs.