In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will allow schools, with help from the Department of Education, to implement suicide prevention policies and training programs that increase suicide awareness and prepare an educator and staff to intervene before a student’s life comes to a tragic end.
 

Our educators act as the main point of contact for students throughout their day.  A quality educator can tell when a student’s behaviors and mental health are deteriorating but may not know how or when to intervene. As the mental health needs of students rise, educators need to be equipped with the necessary tools to recognize, respond to, and assist those in distress. Integrating evidence-based courses into educators' standard training demonstrates a commitment to the well-being, success, and safety of all students and educational institutions, as well as providing initial support until the individual can obtain appropriate professional aid.
 

Annually, over 20 percent of Americans encounter mental health or substance use disorders, yet societal awareness of the signs and how to support those in distress remains alarmingly low. Approximately 40 percent of students in Pennsylvania report facing mental health challenges, with at least 18 percent contemplating suicide making it the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 12-24.
 

My bill will establish the Pennsylvania Mental Health First Aid training program. The program supports our students, promote assistance-seeking behavior, improve treatment adherence, guide students to professional help, and enhance collaboration with health professionals on treatment issues by requiring:

• The Department of Education to develop model policies and to implement a training program conducted by a certified trainer to equip educators and administrative staff with essential skills to recognize and support our students who are struggling with mental health issues.

• The Department of Education to disseminate notice of mental health training resources to school district superintendents at least twice per academic year and promote availability of school-based mental health resources to the general public.

• The school entities may develop policies related to the training program, the inclusion of the training into its continuing education plan and the retention of documentation of completion obtained by its educators and administrative staff through the program.
 

Neglecting mental health problems can lead to significant consequences for academic success, social relationships, and overall well-being. Students experiencing poor mental health are twice as likely to repeat a grade. These difficulties can obstruct motivation and well-being. 
 

I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this vital legislative initiative.