Press Releases

Today, Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-31) and Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) introduced H.R. 8444, the Mental Health in Schools Act of 2024, to create two new grant programs within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help K-12 schools develop mental health education programs and to promote careers in mental health to high school students.

"Stigma-reducing youth mental health programs in schools across Los Angeles County have for more than two decades been educating the students, parents, faculty, and administrators on the warning signs and symptoms of mental health. Early intervention and trained clinicians have been critical to the programs' and students' success, which is why I am so proud that our bill aims to enhance both efforts," Napolitano said. "As our nation continues to confront an unfolding mental health crisis, this critical legislation reinforces the timeless, urgent message that there is zero shame in asking for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength. I thank Congresswoman Balint and all of our colleagues for supporting this measure to provide students everywhere with the support, education, and services they need to thrive."

“Investing in resources to address the youth mental health crisis is essential," said Rep. Balint. "We know our kids and students are struggling in the wake of the pandemic and in the face of the damaging effects of social media. Providing mental health programs in schools is how we directly prioritize the well-being of students. So often I hear from students who want to help their peers by pursuing a career in mental health services. I’m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Napolitano to create programs that can make that a reality.”

The Mental Health in Schools Act would establish the School Mental Health Awareness Grant Program and the Mental Health Career Promotion Grant Program within SAMHSA. 

The School Mental Health Awareness Grant Program would provide funding to schools to establish programs that would promote the mental health and well-being of students familiarizing them with the key signs of common mental health conditions, reducing the stigma associated with these conditions, and informing them about the various mental health services available to them.  

The Mental Health Career Promotion Grant Program would provide funding to schools to establish programs for high school students designed to promote careers in the mental health field. Specifically, these programs would inform students about careers in mental health, provide opportunities for students to interact with and shadow mental health professionals, and provide students mental health related mentorship and experiential learning opportunities.

“The American Psychological Association endorses the Mental Health in Schools Act, which would improve the mental health and well-being of our nation’s students and encourage them to pursue careers in mental health,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “Introducing young people early to the benefits of careers in mental health can help ensure the future of our workforce. We applaud Congresswoman Napolitano’s and Congresswoman Balint’s leadership for introducing this much-needed bill.”

“Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death for children and young adults, and we urgently need more supports to promote mental health, increase recognition of warning signs, and reduce stigma,” said Laurel Stine, J.D. M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention strongly supports the Mental Health in Schools Act, which would create a mental health education program for K-12 students and promote mental health careers for high school students. We are grateful to Rep. Napolitano for leading this important legislation and championing the mental health of our nation’s children and youth.”

Napolitano and Balint were joined in introducing the bill by: Reps. Colin Z. Allred (D-TX-32); Judy Chu (D-CA-28); Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12); Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11); Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05); Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18); Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-2); Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8); Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC); Katie Porter (D-CA-47); Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3); Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6); Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM-01); Darren Soto (D-FL-9); Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15); and Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44). 

Supporting Organizations: American Psychological Association (APA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP); National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); International OCD Foundation, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals; Tourette Association of America, National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW); Sandy Hook Promise, Crisis Text Line, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD); National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); and Youth Villages.

The full text of the Mental Health in Schools Act can be viewed HERE.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.

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