Dogs and cats needed for blood donations at Northern Colorado veterinary hospital

CNN on January 27, 2026


KCNC

By Dillon Thomas

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — January is National Blood Donor Month, and as part of it, both UCHealth and Colorado State University are calling on people and their pets to donate. You read that correctly, pets are also being asked to donate their blood to those in need.

At the Garth England Blood Center in Fort Collins, thousands of people donate their blood to UCHealth’s blood bank every year. But recently, Stacey Cooper visited for the first time.

“I am here donating blood for the first time,” Cooper said. “It is much simpler than I thought it was going to be.”

But the simplicity of the donation was only easier, thanks to the companionship of her dog, which rested by her side during the donation.

“This is Cora. This is my golden retriever. She is 5 years old,” Cooper said. “She has been by my side since a little one.”

Cora is not only a calming presence for Cooper, but she is also a great example of a blood donor herself.

“She is also a blood donor for Colorado State University,” Cooper said.

Down the street from Garth England Blood Center, Cora is a regular at CSU’s veterinary teaching hospital.

CBS News Colorado was invited to join Cora for one of her blood donations.

There, Cora was given a quick medical checkup. She was provided treats and plenty of petting before lying down on a medical table.

She was surrounded by calming staff who helped her stay lying down as a small patch of hair was shaved from her neck. Then, the staff gently inserted a needle into one of her veins and began drawing blood.

“You would be surprised at how many dogs actually need blood,” Cooper said.

During the donation, the room was largely quiet. Staff were seen petting and calming Cora while she gently closed her eyes during the donation.

The donation went fairly quickly and Cora was thrilled to be given plenty of treats after she was wrapped with a bandage as a safety measure.

CSU is one of the top veterinary medical centers in the region and provides emergency medical services to many kinds of animals. However, cats and dogs are their primary clients.

“We are definitely in need of donors,” Cooper, who is also on staff, said.

Dogs and cats have multiple different types of blood, underscoring why it’s important for there to be a wide range of donors.

The university does have some standards that its animal donors must meet. That includes making sure most donors are middle-aged pets.

“I’m always surprised people don’t realize dogs and cats donate just like people donate,” said Amanda Cavanaugh, emergency and critical care vet for CSU.

CSU gives free food for take-home to pet families that donate.

“Most people don’t realize we have a full blood bank,” Cavanaugh said. “Having a blood bank is really important to us, as vets. It allows us to provide that level of care dogs and cats need.”

UCHealth is also seeking more human donors at its blood banks, which help provide critical supplies of blood to hospitals across Northern Colorado.

Much like UCHealth, CSU’s team says they are always seeking more donors to help those in need.

“We use blood products every single day,” Cavanaugh said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Mail theft in Colorado continues years after USPS vowed to make changes

CNN on January 27, 2026


KCNC

By Karen Morfitt

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — Despite efforts to deter them, thieves in Colorado are continuing to steal credit cards, checks, ballots and even prescription medication from mailboxes.

CBS Colorado has reported on the issue of mail theft several times over the past several years. More than a year ago, top officials within the U.S. Postal Inspection Service told CBS Colorado steps were being taken to address it, specifically upgrading locks across the Denver metro area.

“This is a problem right now, but it won’t be a forever problem,” Melissa Atkin told CBS Colorado investigative reporter Karen Morfitt in the fall of 2024.

The issue has persisted for some time after those assurances.

Investigators know where the thefts are happening and how they are happening, and they have the ability to stop it by changing locks. But USPS has said changing locks will be a long, expensive process.

“I don’t think we realized the magnitude of it initially,” said Karen Hagans.

Hagans has lived in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood for about 20 years. Recently, she said her mail began disappearing nearly every day.

“All of the boxes where they put packages were open. There was stuff thrown on the ground on the street, and you realized that if you didn’t go get your mail the minute it was delivered, you couldn’t trust that it was there,” Hagans said.

Frustrated by the pressure to beat thieves to her mail, Hagans rented a post office box, one of the only solutions offered by the USPS. But she said she then had trouble forwarding her mail and was mistakenly identified as having moved away.

“They called me and said, ‘We see that you moved. Do you want service at your new location?’ I said, ‘What do you mean I moved?’ Hagans said.

Her experience is not unique, nor is the Lowry neighborhood.

Federal court records show thieves with master keys have been targeting cluster mailboxes for years.

“It’s the same master key used throughout the Intermountain West,” said Mary Carr, executive director of the Lowry Community Master Association. “Some of Lowry’s mail was recovered in Wyoming and vice versa because the folks robbing the kiosks are moving up and down the I-25 corridor.”

Carr said the association is legally responsible for securing the mailboxes, but it has no control over the locks, which are USPS property.

“There’s no pattern to when they hit the boxes — at night, in the middle of the day — there’s no pattern to it,” Carr said. “We are at a loss.”

After making repeated phone calls, sending emails and visiting in person to local postal offices, Carr says their efforts to work with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service went nowhere. They then turned to lawmakers for help.

“There really isn’t anywhere to go except the Postal Inspection Service,” Carr said. “They committed to Congresswoman (Diana) DeGette’s office that they would be replacing the master key system with a scannable key.”

However, Carr said they have not received a timeline for those upgrades but were told areas with the highest number of thefts will be prioritized.

They have since outfitted every kiosk with a QR code, allowing residents to make immediate theft reports.

“The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so the more reports we have of mail theft, the more attention it will get,” Carr said.

While Lowry waits for locks to be upgraded, investigators say another crime happened: A mail carrier was robbed and a “piece of USPS property” was stolen. The USPS is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information.

“I don’t think that’s really going to address the problem,” Hagans said. “If these keys are out there, maybe it’s one person or maybe it’s many. They need to think about the integrity of the system.”

In response to questions from CBS Colorado, a USPS spokesperson sent the following statement:

“The Postal Service has been implementing a series of nationwide security enhancements, including the deployment of high-security collection boxes and upgraded cluster box units. These upgrades are part of a broader, multiyear initiative to reduce opportunities for mail theft and limit criminals’ ability to misuse stolen arrow keys.

To protect the integrity of these security measures, USPS does not disclose specific locations, quantities, timelines or operational criteria related to where or when upgrades occur. This includes information about how many boxes have been upgraded, how locations are selected or any thresholds related to theft activity. These safeguards are in place to prevent criminals from identifying vulnerabilities or targeting specific neighborhoods.

USPS continues to explore and pilot enhanced access control technologies, including electronic key systems. These efforts are ongoing, and details about deployment locations or timelines are not publicly released for security reasons.

USPS maintains strict internal controls for the issuance, tracking and use of arrow keys. While we cannot discuss specific numbers of keys or internal accountability procedures, we can assure you that USPS has reinforced policies and training to support proper key handling and reduce opportunities for misuse or theft. Any incident involving a stolen or misplaced key is immediately reported to USPIS for investigation, as applicable by USPIS and/or the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Dearborn nonprofit launches free GPS device program for vulnerable people

CNN on January 26, 2026


WWJ

By Veronica Ortega

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    Detroit (WWJ) — A nonprofit organization based in Dearborn, Michigan, has launched an initiative to honor a man whose death impacted an entire community.

Yasmeen Hamed is a mother of four, including a son with autism. Ibrahim Hamed, 26, is a beloved community member and social media influencer.

“I get a lot of messages on social media about him and how he’s teaching people about patience and understanding of people who have special needs,” Yasmeen Hamed said.

When 30-year-old Youssif Naim went missing earlier this month, leading to a community-wide search that ended when his body was found near Hines Park, like many others, Yasmeen Hamed was devastated.

“I was picturing it if it was my son. I think a lot of parents were doing that,” Yasmeen Hamed said.

She posted the heartbreaking update to social media.

“I had other parents reaching out to me, or just Ibrahim’s fans asking to buy him an AirTag,” Yasmeen Hamed said.

It turns out that Ibrahim Hamed has had an AirTag for years. Yasmeen Hamed then reached out to her friends at Blue Hands United for Autism.

“We have to turn this negativity into something positive. We need to help parents that maybe aren’t educated on these devices,” Yasmeen Hamed said.

That’s when Youssif’s Guiding Hands was launched. Mona Alaouie, cofounder of Blue Hands United, said the initiative aims to “provide GPS tracking devices for individuals in the vulnerable population throughout Wayne County free of charge.”

The nonprofit organization is offering families three different types of GPS devices.

“The purpose of this is more so to protect and also to respond sooner. For our individuals with special needs who wander and who struggle with communication,” Mariam Alaouie, cofounder of Blue Hands United, said.

One for Apple users, another for Android users, and a third option that works for both from the company Angel Sense.

“It’s important to note with the Angel Sense, there is a subscription fee,” Mariam Alaouie said.

Users can also get accessories to go with it.

There are slots for the AirTag inside shoe insoles, watches, pins and hair ties.

“Now families know that there might be a little more security and peace of mind for their individual safety,” Mona Alaouie said.

Youssif’s family is supportive of the initiative.

“They’re very thankful and grateful. They have been sharing the story, and we’re hoping that this also provides them some comfort, knowing that his name will carry on and hopefully change lives,” Mona Alaouie said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Dallas Mavericks narrow search area for new arena

CNN on January 23, 2026


KTVT

By Marissa Armas

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    DALLAS (KTVT) — The Dallas Mavericks have narrowed their search for a new arena to two potential locations: downtown or the Valley View Center area in North Dallas. It’s sparking a mix of excitement and concern among fans, city leaders, and local businesses as the team weighs its next move.

“I would hate losing an arena downtown,” said Robert Resneder, a Mavs fan. “It brings so much vitality to the center of the city, but at the same time, I live in the suburb,s so if they were to move somewhere near the north side, I might kind of like that.”

The chatter on the move has a lot of people talking.

“I’m kind of sad about it, I love Victory Park, I love having them here,” said Burt Oliva.

His friend Tony Ruano echoed a similar sentiment.

“If they move this arena, it will be terrible,” Ruano said.

Council member Chad West said no matter what site they decide on, this is a win for Dallas.

“That’s the most exciting part of this whole situation, is that they are a Dallas team, they know that, and this is their home, and they’re going to stay here,” West said.

Dallas mayor pro-tem Jesse Moreno, who represents downtown, where the American Airlines Center currently sits, is pushing to keep the arena in his district. One of the potential sites is the land where City Hall currently sits, though the future of the building is still up in the air.

“Before anything is really evaluating City Hall, and the cost-benefit to stay at City Hall and rebuild, or to look at other options outside of City Hall, and so, that has not happened yet,” Moreno said. “We are still waiting for the results of the assessment of the building itself and the possible economic impact if we decide to go somewhere else.”

A move to Valley View would place the arena near Preston Road and Interstate 635, which Councilwoman Cara Mendolsohn, who oversees that area, said would also benefit southern Dallas.

“We will generate so much additional revenue for this city that we’ll take the budgetary pressure off of things like libraries, will take the budgetary pressure off of our growing payments for the pension, for police, fire, for hiring more officers on our streets,” she said.

Still, some worry that moving the arena out of downtown could hurt local businesses. The Mavericks’ lease with the American Airlines Center is set to expire in 2031. A decision on a new location is expected by July 1.

“They’re not focused on actually winning, they’re focused on the financial aspect of it,” Ruano said.

Some fans say a new arena should be the last of the team’s priorities.

“I think the ownership is ruining our team, honestly, I do not want us to move,” Oliva said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Sheriff releases bodycam and surveillance video of deadly Walmart shooting involving alleged shoplifter

CNN on January 23, 2026


WFOR

By Ivan Taylor

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has released body camera and surveillance footage showing a deadly confrontation between a deputy and an alleged shoplifter at a Walmart in Southwest Miami-Dade.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified that a man was allegedly shoplifting inside the store. Surveillance video shows the suspect walking through the aisles before exiting the building. Deputies say a deputy attempted to stop him as he left.

The man was later identified as 36-year-old Kennedy Graham.

Body camera video shows Graham running from the deputy as a struggle breaks out. In the footage, the deputy can be heard yelling, “Don’t resist, don’t resist,” as the two wrestle on the ground.

Deputies say the officer called for backup while trying to detain Graham.

Investigators say the video was slowed down to show Graham was armed during the encounter. Surveillance footage from outside the store shows the deputy pinning Graham to the ground and holding him by the neck with his legs as Graham continued to fight back.

At one point, investigators say Graham dropped the gun, then picked it up again and ran. The deputy is then seen pointing his weapon and firing.

Two people were in the parking lot when the shots were fired.

The shooting happened in the parking lot of the store located at 21115 South Dixie Highway on the morning of November 6, 2025.

CBS News Miami spoke with a witness the day of the shooting.

“What I saw was a guy in a white T-shirt running outside of the Walmart parking lot. I heard three shots, then all I saw was the police officer with the gun,” said a woman who did not want to be identified.

Graham was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. No one else was injured.

In November, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz defended the deputy’s actions.

“I will say this, this individual had an extensive criminal past. We are grateful at this time. The circumstances could have gotten so much worse,” she said.

Investigators also displayed the weapon they say Graham was carrying at the time of the shooting.

The deputy involved has not been identified.

In a statement released Thursday, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said:

“We recognize that incidents of this nature raise questions and concerns within our community, and I believe the public has the right to see critical incidents involving law enforcement.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Patriots fans convinced their superstitions work, from tattered sweatshirts to Christmas trees

CNN on January 22, 2026


WBZ

By Aaron Parseghian

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — With the Patriots facing the Broncos in the AFC Championship, their highest-stakes game in quite some time, fans across New England and beyond are doing whatever they can to help will their team to another win, no matter how unusual the ritual.

For Ashley “AJ” Jannino, a Radio Host at JAM’N 94.5, that means wearing a tattered 19-year-old Patriots sweatshirt she considers her good luck charm.

“A lot of people said it did look like a Bill Belichick hoodie, which I kind of love that,” Jannino said.

The sweatshirt, riddled with holes and worn down by years of game days, has survived countless wins and remains a must-wear item for her when the Patriots take the field.

“It has been through the ringer, I don’t even know how many games,” she said. “I call it my lucky sweatshirt, right? It has a million holes in it, but I still have to wear it, and they win, right, so I have to wear it.”

Superstition has become a common theme among Patriots fans cheering on what many describe as a magical season.

“We have the game jerseys, wear the same game jerseys all season, and haven’t washed it yet,” said Pats fan Mark Aiksnoras.

“I put on my football pants, and I wear my Patriots shirt, and I sit in front of my big 80 [inch] flat screen TV, and I cheer my boys on,” said fan Terry Hyman.

Assigned seats and strict movement rules are also part of the ritual for some supporters trying to keep the team’s momentum alive.

“If a bad play happens as you entered the room, you are not allowed to come back in,” said Jessica Maxwell. “If a good play happens when you enter the room, you got to stay in that spot.”

Maxwell, an Ayer native who retired to South Carolina with her military husband, keeps the spirit of New England alive well past the holidays. A month after Christmas, her tree, decorated with Patriots-colored lights, remains up as long as the team is still playing.

Her cat, Drake “Squish” Maye Maxwell, also has a role in the routine, getting three pets after every play. Her son wears an old Rob Gronkowski jersey, but no one else can wear Patriots merchandise.

“I’m convinced [my superstitions] work, they have to. No one down the South understands,” Maxwell said. “You got to be from New England to understand.”

One of the Patriots’ motto this season is “We all we got, we all we need,” and fans say sometimes what they need most is for them to keep their game-day routines exactly the same.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Police come together to support detective after terminal cancer diagnosis

CNN on January 22, 2026


KYW

By Joe Holden, Tom Gardiner

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    LOWER MERION, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Dan Gilbert says he’s staying strong and putting on a brave face. It’s been tough.

The Lower Merion Township detective got bad news last April. His wife, Lauren Gilbert, at 42, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. She first went to the hospital for stomach pain.

“They took a 12-inch section of her colon, took out a very large tumor and took out some other cancer that had spread,” Dan Gilbert said. “It’s not good. It’s terminal.”

Gilbert, a father to two children ages 4 and 5, has worked in Lower Merion for nine years. When his co-workers heard about Lauren, they wanted him to have the time to spend at home. Each officer was able to donate up to 12 hours.

“We quickly put a process together, and it’s great that it has worked out to help Dan,” Ernie McNeely, Lower Merion Township’s manager, said. “It’s so critical to do something when folks are in need, and that’s what we were happy to be able to do here.”

“We sat down and worked out this program for Dan so additional time from officers could be donated to him so he could spend time with Lauren when needed,” Superintendent of Police Andy Block said.

Sgt. John Iushewitz is the department’s FOP president. He said the idea of donating time came from his 11-year-old son after they watched a video about the value of time over money.

“My idea was, we can donate as much money as we can, but we can never get back time, so in looking at that, I was like, what can we do?” Iushewitz said.

Lauren has taken to writing. That includes a child-appropriate book about cancer. She’s also bought greeting cards for life’s big events she may not be around for.

“Future dates like weddings, college and high school graduation and she began writing notes to them that I could deliver to them in those times,” Dan said.

Lauren has had surgeries and is on trial medications. The costs are a financial burden.

The department’s generosity amounted to 800 hours of donated time off. That’s five months for Dan, Lauren and their children.

“My colleagues are the best,” he said. “The only thing they care about is my family’s well-being during this time.”

“I work with the best,” Iushewitz said. “When I knew it was time to help one of their own, I knew the answer would be yes.”

There was a benefit event scheduled for Sunday. They expected 400 people to come out and support the Gilbert family. But because of the forecast, it will most likely be rescheduled.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Over 100 cats rescued from deplorable conditions at home

CNN on January 22, 2026


WCBS

By Jenna DeAngelis

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — A Long Island woman has been charged after officials say more than 100 cats were rescued from deplorable conditions at her West Islip home.

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called several animal rescue groups for assistance Tuesday after receiving an anonymous tip.

When the groups arrived at the Patricia Avenue home, they found about 100 cats inside the house and in a backyard structure.

“Everywhere you looked, there was just cats,” said Renee Kraft, founder of Save a Stray Rescue. “The smell hits you first before you even get into the house. It was gross.”

“The conditions were absolutely horrific. They were living in their own feces,” said Frankie Floridia, with Strong Island Animal Rescue League. “Just absolute filth.”

“You just seen all these animals, and they were just crying, coming up, like begging us to take them,” said Doreen Simonson, with Last Hope Animal Rescue. “It was like they knew, you know, that here’s help, it’s on the way.”

“This is a horrible situation, and I’m glad that these cats will get a second chance on life,” Floridia said. “And we’ll keep on rescuing on, to keep these animals safe and in good hands.”

Last Hope Animal Rescue is now caring for 32 of the cats.

“Right now, we’re just trying to make them all comfortable to let them know they’re safe,” Simonson said.

Paws Unite People, a rehabilitation facility, took in 22 cats. Eight are currently at its facility, and the rest are in foster care. Save a Stray Rescue currently has six kittens from the home, and North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue took 11 cats, which volunteers are fostering.

The rescue groups said some of the cats have health problems – like respiratory infections, skin and eye conditions, fleas and matting – so the next step is for each cat to see a vet. Once they have been checked out, they should be up for adoption within the next few weeks.

“They will have a happy ending,” Simonson said.

The SPCA said the conditions inside the home were the result of a breeding operation.

“Ultimately, we need to educate people why it’s important to rescue from small rescues and shelters,” said Virginia Scudder, with the North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue. “When we support breeders like this, we’re basically giving them the OK to continue this.”

A neighbor told CBS News New York he had no idea what was happening inside the home.

“Happy someone actually did something about it, that it’s no longer here,” he said.

Grace Etzelsberger, 66, has been charged with animal neglect, and the house has been condemned.

Officials said Etzelsberger also goes by the name Grace Rovtar, and they’re looking into if she was licensed to breed the cats. She’s due in court in February.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Man reunited with first responders who saved him when massive tree crushed his car

CNN on January 22, 2026


WBZ

By Penny Kmitt

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    FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A Massachusetts man was reunited with the first responders who saved his life last month when a massive tree slammed onto his car, trapping him inside and leaving him seriously injured.

With his arm in a sling, neck in a brace, and gratitude in his heart, Eric Freeman helped honor those Framingham first responders on Wednesday along with Massachusetts Sen. President Karen Spilka during a small ceremony at the fire station.

“This could have been a very different outcome but we are here surrounded by Framingham’s finest,” Spilka said. “It was a random, freak accident that was just very unfortunate. Because of those that came, the public safety, because of their expertise, their fast action, their compassion, and knowing exactly what to do during this very difficult time helped save Eric.”

The 67-year-old Freeman was driving through Framingham on an early December night when a pine tree suddenly came crashing down. The tree crushed Freeman’s Audi and nearly killed him.

“I was driving along and all of the sudden my head was on the center console of the car, and I was looking out through my moon roof,” he said. “It took a while before I could finally say ‘Help!’ and put some volume into it which was scary.”

Freeman said it was the epitome of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but the right people at the right time is what saved his life.

“I just shook his hand. I can’t believe he’s standing,” Brewster paramedic Don Avery said.

Avery was on his way to a different call when he happened to come across the scene.

“I didn’t expect to see anybody alive,” Avery said. “The center part of the tree, we were able to get that off with some bystanders.”

Freeman said he doesn’t remember much. But he does remember the sirens, and people helping.

“It gives me a lot of appreciation for civilization, community,” he said. “It’s a lot of people working together. It’s delightful.”

Though Freeman said his recovery has been slow and frustrating, he added that he feels fortunate to be alive. He has a plate screwed into his skull and a bar that goes down into his spine.

Today, Freeman and his wife Kathleen say they have a new appreciation for life, and the community around them.

“It’s nice to hear the different accounts from the first responders and understanding how this all came together and worked so well,” Kathleen said.

Eric is an avid skier and hiker, two activities now on hold as he still faces a long road to recovery.

“Skiing, going back and letting Wildcat know whose boss,” he said. “I may not be able to do what I did before. But hopefully I’ll still be able to hit the mountains hard.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Modesto City Schools proposes new mental health service plan

CNN on January 21, 2026


KOVR

By Nina Burns

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    SACRAMENTO (KOVR) — A proposed update to Modesto City Schools’ mental health policy drew sharp criticism from parents during a school board meeting, with concerns centered on when parents would be notified if students access counseling services.

The policy, introduced as a first reading, outlines how the district provides mental health education, training, and services on campus. A key provision allows students 12 years old and older to consent to mental health counseling in certain circumstances, without parental consent, when a licensed mental health professional determines the student is mature enough and that involving a parent would be inappropriate.

Multiple parents spoke during public comment, arguing the policy could sideline families in decisions involving their children’s mental health.

“It suggests you can leave the parent out,” one speaker said, while another told the board, “It really needs to be the parents that are in charge.”

District officials emphasized that the language does not create new authority, but aligns local policy with existing California law. They pointed to state legislation passed in 2024 that removed the requirement for minors to meet a strict danger or abuse standard in order to consent to certain mental health services.

The policy also requires schools serving grades six through twelve to post mental health resource information on campus, including warning signs of mental health crises, coping strategies, and crisis hotline information.

Several speakers said their concern was less about state law itself and more about communication, questioning whether parents would be informed when their child seeks services.

Following public comment, board members discussed whether the policy language could be amended to more clearly reference parental involvement. However, district officials noted that adding such requirements could conflict with state law.

Board members agreed the policy would need revisions before returning for approval at a future meeting.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.