Small Win for California Bill Requiring Mental Health Training for Teachers

Last week, the California Assembly Education Committee passed SB 428 by a bipartisan vote (5-0). The bill would require a percentage of teachers and staff at each school to be trained in an evidence-based, Youth Mental Health First Aid program.

Teachers and school staff are often the first to become aware of a student’s mental health needs, and the training would give them tools to help. In 2017, one in three high-schoolers reported depression and 17% had suicidal thoughts or attempts. The bill’s goal is to provide actionable steps to address California’s surging youth mental health crisis.

SB 428 is supported by a broad coalition led by Born This Way Foundation, California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies (CBHA), County Behavioral Health Directors Association, and Children Now.

“Our coalition came together in support of this bill because the mental well-being of students is critical to their ability to lead healthy lives, “ said Le Ondra Clark Harvey, a spokesperson for the coalition and Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs for CBHA.  Harvey was a panelist at The Modesto Bee’s California Priorities healthcare children’s event held on June 13 in Modesto, where she discussed the urgent need for mental health services for children and teens.

The bill now moves to the Assembly Health Committee for review. For more info about SB 428, go visit trackbill.com.

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