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Sen. Klobuchar Introduces School Mental Health Act

May 29, 2023 10:10AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Hannah Busing

From the Office of Sen. Klobuchar and NAMI MN - May 29, 2023


To mark Children’s Mental Health Week, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced they have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve mental health resources in schools. The Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act would add mental health as a category for inclusion in local school wellness policies and allow licensed mental health professionals and registered dietitians to collaborate on the development of local school wellness policy mental health goals.

“Over the past few years, more young people have reported a decline in their mental health. That’s why we must prioritize mental health education and services within our schools,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation would include mental health care as a key component of local school health policies, ensuring that our students have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

The Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act would also allow the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to consult with the Departments of Agriculture and Education on technical assistance and best practices. Local school wellness policies guide a school district’s efforts to create a supportive school nutrition and physical activity environment. 

Klobuchar has long led efforts to increase access to mental health services. In February 2022, Klobuchar and Lummis introduced bipartisan legislation to address the negative impacts of social media, including on youth mental health.

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