"While misguided calls for armed teachers and principals have grabbed media attention and recklessly distorted media portrayals of mental illness, legislation that could make a profound difference in our nation’s public health awaits action in the U.S. House and Senate.
"The Mental Health in Schools Act would expand comprehensive mental health services for students in communities across the United States by providing schools with access to providers and training for faculty and staff.
"The act builds on a program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] that is designed to prevent youth violence by drawing on the best practices in education, justice, social services, and behavioral health....
"Among the research is the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study....
"The bills pending in the Legislature would help us move beyond that stigma by giving educators and providers a system for being proactive in the delivery of mental health services.
The bills would provide $200 million in grant funding for schools to partner with licensed mental health professionals to provide on-site mental health care services for students across the country....
"We all should demand better. The lives of our children literally depend upon it."
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