Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

This bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the school lunch or breakfast programs to include in their local school wellness policies (1) goals for mental health promotion and education, and (2) nutrition guidelines for reducing childhood eating disorders. Such LEAs must also include registered dietitians and school-based mental health services providers in the development, implementation, and periodic review of such policies.

The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to school health professionals (including school-based mental health services providers) for use in establishing healthy school environments. Such technical assistance must promote mental health, encourage mental health assessments, and establish resilient school environments.

Bill 117 HR 5526, also known as the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act, aims to address the mental health needs of students in schools across the United States. The bill recognizes the importance of mental health in overall well-being and academic success, and seeks to provide resources and support to schools to better address these needs.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a grant program to provide funding to schools for mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and other support services for students. 2. Implementing training programs for school staff to recognize and respond to mental health issues in students. 3. Promoting partnerships between schools and mental health professionals to ensure students receive the care they need. 4. Encouraging the development of mental health curriculum and programs in schools to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. 5. Conducting research and data collection to better understand the mental health needs of students and the effectiveness of mental health programs in schools. Overall, the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act aims to create a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health in schools, with the goal of improving the overall well-being and academic success of students.