In Louisiana, lawmakers are taking steps to tackle the mental health crisis affecting young people. Senator Regina Barrow has introduced three bills this week in an effort to offer support to those struggling with mental health issues.
Senator Barrow believes that it is crucial to eliminate barriers to mental health care for students and encourage them to seek help when they need it. She wants students to know that taking time off from school for mental health reasons is okay, and she hopes that new legislation can help prevent tragedies such as suicide, which is a leading cause of death for teens and young people.
Under the proposed bill, high school and college students in Louisiana would be able to take up to two mental health days per semester. They would also have the opportunity to make up any missed school work before the semester ends. Barrow is committed to improving mental health services for young people in Louisiana and addressing gaps in the current system.
In addition to the bill on mental health days, Senator Barrow has introduced other legislation focused on student mental health. SB349 would require mental health evaluations for high school student-athletes who are injured in sporting events. SB 310 would mandate that every public and approved nonpublic secondary school print the number 988, the suicide and crisis hotline, on the back of all student IDs.
The goal of these bills is to provide more comprehensive support for students’ mental health and ensure that they have access to the resources they need during difficult times. Senator Barrow is dedicated to improving mental health services for young people in Louisiana and working towards a future where everyone has access to the care they need.
