HARRISBURG, June 24 – Today, the House Education Committee approved state Rep. Mike Schlossberg’s legislation that would establish stronger mental health screening in Pennsylvania schools.

“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues on the House Education Committee in moving this critical piece of legislation to the full House of Representatives for consideration,” said Schlossberg, D-Lehigh. “Students have been struggling with mental health needs for years. We have all learned valuable lessons, the most important one being that community schools are fantastic places to deliver critical mental health services.”

Schlossberg introduced H.B. 2311 to better equip Pennsylvania schools in meeting student mental health needs by establishing a pilot program to implement annual mental health screenings for students in grades six through 12. The legislation would require the state Department of Education to assess the needs of school districts and help districts to screen student mental health needs.

“If we are serious about saving lives and improving mental health, then we must be proactive,” said Schlossberg. “Increased mental health screenings will help us to better understand the needs of our students even as we address access to treatment and care when mental health conditions first manifest. Too many children suffer in silence and only seek treatment too late. We must do better, and we must start now.”

House Bill 2311 will now head to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Full House and Senate passage is required before it can be presented to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature to become law.

House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower taxes, help workers save for retirement, put more teachers in local schools, and make communities safer. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.

Information provided to TVL by:

Tom Andrews