There is a mental health crisis among low-income youth in Pomona. Many young adults and youth have trouble finding access to counseling or proper coping mechanisms for mental health disorders. This often leads youth, especially in low-income areas such as Pomona, to turn to an “easier method,” which is often drugs such as marijuana. The percentage of youth aged 13-17 who are using marijuana is 37%. Frequently, it’s an easy escape that is readily available to many at-risk youth. With one-third of Pomona’s population being young adults, many drop out of high school due to struggles in school.
Free counseling and mental health services provided by schools throughout Pomona and LA County may offer students a path away from drug abuse, which often leads to homelessness. Raising social awareness and continuing to fund free mental health institutions, regardless of Donald Trump’s plan to defund the Department of Education, can help prevent the rising issues of homelessness and poverty among youth in Pomona due to poor mental health maintenance. These services can also provide teens with proper guidance on decision-making. With 44% of teenagers experiencing symptoms of depression, awareness can prevent leading issues such as drug abuse and homelessness in young adults in Pomona.
Pomona High School (PUSD) provides a “Wellness Center” that offers free mental health and wellness services, giving students better coping strategies. This is relevant to the photo essay as it shows what at-risk youth can experience when they seek out a safe place for wellness and support. Mental health should be taken seriously, even in low-income neighborhoods. These images capture mental health clinics that are free and available for youth in Pomona, such as Pacific Clinics.
Choosing the topic of mental health initially led me to research in depth how many young adults are affected by depression and anxiety in LA County. Through my research, I gained insight into the LA Care Health Plan, which informed me about a plan to help students through a community center funded by the Office of Education. This made me consider President Trump’s plan to defund the Board of Education and what it could mean for low-income areas such as Pomona.
I decided to create a photo essay to remind young adults and students to take advantage of free mental health centers instead of turning to numbing drugs, which can lead to poverty and homelessness at a young age. I discovered that Pomona has an immense number of high school students dropping out due to struggles in school. This inspired me to highlight how mental health services available to youth can help them make life-changing decisions with proper thought.
The process of taking photos for my photo essay was a bit tricky. I wanted to arrange my photos in a way that created a theme, showing how entering a wellness center can feel comforting. Providing a safe place for youth can encourage healthier ways of coping.
Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.
