Article H.R. 3055- Improving Mental Health in Schools Act Summary This bill was

Article H.R. 3055- Improving Mental Health in Schools Act Summary This bill was introduced to the house May 2, 2023. “Specifically, the bill revises the definition of specialized instructional support personnel in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include qualified mental health professionals involved in providing mental health services for students. These professionals include, among others, marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and clinical psychologists” (118th Congress, 2023-2024). Mental health is a chronic illness that carries over throughout adulthood. “Millions of American children live with depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome or a host of other mental health issues- ADHD was the most prevalent current diagnosis among children aged 3–17 years; Boys were more likely than girls to have ADHD, behavioral or conduct problems, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, Tourette syndrome, and cigarette dependence; Adolescent boys aged 12–17 years were more likely than girls to die by suicide; Adolescent girls were more likely than boys to have depression or an alcohol use disorder” (CDC, 2022). This bill is important because it is bringing more awareness to mental health in the younger community. This bill will have it to where there are trained personnels are equipped to deal with the daily struggles of mental health one may face. Also it brings awareness to the subtle signs and cues that are often missed and/or brushed off. Social Determinants Affected Social determinants affecting this policy would be the families. First and foremost you would have to obtain written permission from the guardians of these kids to have them be seen by the mental health personnels. Often times in children mental health can be dismissed as bad behavior and most think discipline will correct the behavior. So dealing with less receptive parents is also another obstacle one would have to face. Along with this is culture. Some cultures prefer to handle situations like this at home and keep it within the household. My Belief Yes I believe there is enough evidence to support this policy. As mentioned earlier, The suicide rate among people aged 10–24 remained stable from 2001 through 2007 and then increased 62% from 2007 through 2021 (from 6.8 deaths per 100,000 to 11.0)” (Curtin et. al, 2019). This is an issue that should be addressed. The evidence is in the statics. There is a need for someone to step in and guide the youth to prevent suicide rates from steadily increasing. It starts with mental health. Knowing the signs and what to look for. Asking the difficult questions and assessing the mental welfare of these kids. References H.R.3055 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Improving Mental Health in Schools Act. (2023, May 2). https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3055 CDC. Children’s Mental Health (2022, April 19). First Children’s Mental Health Report | CDCLinks to an external site. Curtin SC, Heron M. Death rates due to suicide and homicide among persons aged 10–24: United States, 2000–2017. NCHS Data Brief, no 352. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2019. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db352.htm.