HOUSE LAWMAKERS ARE DISCUSSING A BILL THAT WOULD EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
REPRESENTATIVE KARINA VILLA OF WEST CHICAGO IS SPONSORING THE MEASURE…SAYING HER TIME AS A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER DEMONSTRATED THE NEED FOR MORE THOROUGH LESSONS ON MENTAL HEALTH. SHE ONCE HAD A 5TH GRADER COME TO HER AFTER READING AN ARTICLE ON THE SUBJECT FOR CLASS.
THE BILL REQUIRES TEACHERS INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH AND ILLNESS IN REGULAR HEALTH EDUCATION CLASSES, AND TO DISCUSS THE LINK BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. IT’S SUPPORTED BY REPRESENTATIVE DEB CONROY OF VILLA PARK.
THE BILL UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A HOUSE COMMITTEE AND NOW FACES A VOTE BEFORE THE FULL HOUSE.