Ray Lewis Helps Baltimore Schools Pilot Mental Health Screening

The program aims to identify depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues early in students ages 8-15.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:14am

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Former NFL player Ray Lewis is partnering with Baltimore County schools to pilot a new mental health screening tool for students aged 8-15. The goal is to identify depression, anxiety, and other mental health risk factors early so students can receive the support they need. The program is already in schools in at least five other states, and over 40% of students have reported improvement in their symptoms after identification and intervention.

Why it matters

Mental health issues among young people have become a growing concern, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide. This new screening program aims to get ahead of these problems by detecting them early and connecting students with the appropriate resources and support.

The details

The new "Rising Together" schoolwide mental health screening program will be piloted at 15 middle schools in Baltimore County. Trained staff will help students complete a questionnaire designed to identify mental health risks and needs. Parents can opt their child out, but the school district hopes for full participation given the program's proven track record of helping over 40% of students improve their depression and anxiety symptoms.

  • The screening program will launch in Baltimore County schools in the 2026-2027 school year.
  • Ray Lewis will serve as the keynote speaker for the Baltimore County schools' Mind Over Matters conference on March 19, 2026.

The players

Ray Lewis

A former NFL player who is partnering with Baltimore County schools to bring the new mental health screening program to the district. Lewis is also using his Ray of Hope Foundation to help fund and implement the program.

Myriam Rogers

The superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, who expressed gratitude for having Lewis as a partner to help get this important mental health work started for their students.

Possibilities for Change

An organization that is helping to provide the new mental health screening tool and program to the Baltimore County schools.

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What they’re saying

“Knowing all of the numbers on how many kids actually struggle with mental health and the suicides and the overdoses, this is out of freaking control.”

— Ray Lewis

“It could be the very thing that brings resources to our students, that helps to save their lives.”

— Myriam Rogers, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools

“I just want them to know they have help.”

— Ray Lewis

What’s next

The goal is to eventually have the mental health screening program in every school in the Baltimore County Public Schools district.

The takeaway

This new mental health screening program represents an important step in addressing the growing crisis of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues among young people. By identifying these problems early, schools can connect students with the support and resources they need to improve their mental well-being and overall health.