Jackson, Mississippi (WLBT) – One of the many bills introduced in this legislative session could address one of the biggest issues Mississippi students face every day: mental health.
Research shows that one in five children in the United States experiences a mental disorder in a given year. But educators and mental health professionals say this is one of her least addressed areas in schools. Now one state leader is trying to change that statistic.
“Every genre of life is affected by the mental health crisis we’re having,” said president Tracy Rosebud.
A bill passing the House of Representatives could change the way mental health is addressed within schools in Mississippi.
House Bill 865 would require that each student receive regular mental health screenings from a mental health professional and that schools hire more school psychologists.
“It is safe to say that your child has a particular disability. But we, as individuals, need to know where our child is. consider themselves mentally healthy, and they’ve been through a lot,” explained Rosebud.
Sean Brewer, Director of Education Solutions for Canopy Children’s Solutions and former principal, said his organization is already working on it.
“We are currently piloting a partnership with the Madison County School District to have therapists in two different schools, but we are using technology to help parents screen the students they choose to attend. For this pilot,” said Brewer.
State laws now require mental health and suicide prevention training for school employees, putting a lot of responsibility on educators.
Brewer and Congressman Tracy Rosebud said the bill would help ease that burden.
“Teachers and principals are always called upon to be all things to all. It’s hard to work at your best,” Brewer said.
While this isn’t the first time the bill has passed in the capital, Rep. Rosebud believes the current mental health crisis could help the bill pass.
“I am hoping and praying that the hearts of those sitting in the conference room with me have been set on fire and need to go through,” said Rep. Rosebud.
“In situations like this where something horrible happens, before we decide to do something tragic, we may find and provide some resources to help one of those students. Hmm.
Rep. Rosebud added that the bill will not only help students’ mental health, but it will also help them improve their grades and keep children from acting out.
Want more WLBT news in your inbox? click here To subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2023 WLBT. All rights reserved.
