#Mind Matters
Mind Matters is a Project TEAL campaign in support of Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2023. It was introduced in the House as H.R. 3713 in May 2023, and in the Senate as S.1884 in June 2023, to provide access to school-based comprehensive mental health programs. This would provide $300 million in funding for public schools across the country to partner with local mental health professionals to establish on-site mental health services for students. This Act will help students by:
Providing access to more comprehensive on-site mental health care services for students and their communities by revising, increasing funding for, and expanding the scope of SAMHSA’s Project AWARE;
Promoting positive mental health education and support for parents, siblings, and other family members of children with mental health disorders, as well as concerned members of the community; and,
Allow teachers to concentrate on teaching by providing comprehensive, culturally, and linguistically appropriate services to support students in need of mental health care and those at-risk for behavioral mental health disorders.
Policy Brief
Overview of the Bill:
Name: Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2023 (HR3713, S1884)
Sponsor (House): Grace Napolitano (D-CA-31)
Sponsor (Senate): Tina Smith (D-MN)
Notable Co-Sponsors (House): Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08),
Notable Co-Sponsors (Senate): Bernie Sanders (I-VT),
Introduced: May 26, 2023, House; June 8, 2023, Senate: July 13, 2023
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health
Latest Action: The bill was introduced to the Senate and referred to the Committee on July 13, 2023. It awaits further action in committee, including discussions, possible amendments, and voting before it can proceed to the Senate floor.
Issues Addressed in the Bill:
Mental health services for students, particularly in the last few years, have become an area of increasing concern. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, between 2021 and 2022, 39% of schools reported inadequate funding as a major factor limiting K-12 mental health support. The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2023 aims to address this growing concern by providing grants to schools for the establishment or expansion of mental health services for students. Project TEAL realizes that mental health support is very significant both in the lives and academics of students. The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2023 promotes early intervention, equitable access, and comprehensive mental health services within schools. Join us in partnership with Senator Tina Smith as we call on improved mental health in education through support of this critical legislation.
Access to Mental Health Services
At least a few million students in the U.S. do not have sufficient access to mental health facilities, especially at schools located in rural areas. This bill aims to broaden mental health services availability in schools so that a greater number of students can gain access to mental health support within their education system.
School-Based Mental Health Programs
The bill establishes a competitive grant program for schools to expand mental health services, enabling local education agencies and community-based organizations to partner in carrying out comprehensive school-based mental health programs. This allows for further collaborative support with school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals.
Operating Youth Mental Health Crisis
It is estimated that one in five children and teenagers have a mental health condition, with only a portion receiving necessary treatment. The bill will make financial provisions toward early intervention services, expanding mental health infrastructure, and making sure all students, no matter their background, receive much-needed care.
Trauma-Informed Care
The bill heavily focuses on trauma-informed care that would make schools implement practices recognizing the presence of trauma in students' behaviors, learning, and well-being. This includes training school staff to be supportive to students who have experienced trauma and creating safer, more nurturing learning environments.
Stigma Reduction and Mental Health Education
The Mental Health Services for Students Act would also allow the schools to have increased awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health. A culture of openness where problems with mental health are discussed, educated about, and supported will give the students suffering from a mental health condition that sense of community which is so crucial when one seeks help.
Lobby day
Join us on October 30 at 4:30 CST for an email/phone-banking event in support of theMental Health Services for Students Act of 2023. Activists will be supplied and prepared with the resources they need to be successful lobbyists. Sign up with the link in our Instagram's bio area. Make sure to follow our Instagram account for more on this campaign.
*Sample call script
Hello, my name is _____ from _______. I’m calling on behalf of Project TEAL, a student-led, non-partisan organization dedicated to revitalizing democracy, to express my strong support for the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2023, introduced in the Senate by Senator Tina Smith and in the House by Rep. Grace Napolitano. This bill will allow schools to establish and expand access to essential mental health services for students across the country, helping address the growing mental health crisis among youth. There are many issues with our current system, including the barriers many students face in accessing mental health care, which contribute to long-term social and academic challenges. I urge [Representative/Senator/Office’s Name] to support this bill and help ensure students have the support they need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically. Thank you for your time.
We called a total of 88 Congressmen and Congresswomen across states like California, New Jersey, Maryland, New York and many more!