WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Susan Wild spoke on the House floor to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and call attention to the mental health crisis young people are experiencing: a crisis that demands addressing through legislation like the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act.

“Mental health is an issue close to my heart, and ensuring that everyone has access to the mental health care they need is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “That’s why I will soon be reintroducing my Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act which promotes positive mental health among college students and encourages more comprehensive planning on college campuses to prevent suicide and other mental crises.”

Rep. Wild introduced the Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act last year and will soon be reintroducing the bill this Congress. This legislation will help to address the mental health crisis on college campuses by requiring the Department of Education to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage institutions of higher education to develop and implement comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention plans.

About Rep. Wild’s Work to Increase Access to Mental Health Care:

• Rep. Wild shepherded into law the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, legislation to address the mental health crisis among health care professionals.
• Rep. Wild partnered with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) in pushing for the highest funding possible for the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to combat the mental health and opioid crises.
• Rep. Wild introduced the bipartisan Supporting the Mental Health of Staff and Educators Act to increase access to mental health resources for educators and school staff to reduce educator stress, promote teacher wellbeing, and create the foundation for teacher longevity.

Click HERE to watch the entirety of Rep. Wild’s floor speech or see a transcript below:

“I rise in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, particularly as it pertains to the struggles young people face in our nation today. 

“Mental health is an issue close to my heart, and ensuring that everyone has access to the mental health care they need is one of my top priorities in Congress. 

“In a recent national survey, 71% of college students reported experiencing mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. 

“That’s why I will soon be reintroducing my bill, Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act, which promotes positive mental health among college students and encourages more comprehensive planning on college campuses to prevent suicide and other mental crises. 

“School and college campuses do not have the counselors or services needed to ensure every one of our young people has a bright future—and it is our job to make sure they do.”

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Olivia Taylor-Puckett

 

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