$900 billion COVID-19 Relief Bill: Here’s What You Should Know
December 22, 2020THOMAS “TOM”‘S OBITUARY
December 22, 2020
On Dec. 17, the Senate unanimously passed its approval of the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act. The bill, introduced by Sen. John Kennedy, R-LA, would amend current legislation to dictate that universities must provide adequate mental health resources or provide contact with these resources to their students.
“Now, more than at any point in my life, young people need helping hands and listening ears. Mental health resources can be lifesaving, and college students deserve to know what help is available to them when they need it most. I hope the House takes the opportunity to send this bill to the president’s desk so young people who are facing new public health and social challenges know that they’re not alone,” Kennedy said. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and for young adults age 10-34. It’s also the second leading cause of death among college students. 49%, in fact, of college students, experience a significant mental health issue, and 50% of mental health issues begin by age 14,”
The legislation would require that if a university participates in federal financial aid, it would be required to print the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line on the university’s I.D. cards. If a university does not print and distribute I.D. cards, then this contact information would be published on the university’s website.
“Our legislation is also supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of School Psychologists, and 14 other mental health-related organizations,” Kennedy said.
The bill passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is now awaiting a signature from President Donald Trump for its final approval.
The legislation states that it would not take full effect until one year after its enactment.
Photo courtesy of Linkedin Sales Navigator.
