Katko commends federal funds to boost mental health services in local school districts

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) applauded the federal $2.5 million award to local school districts in his home state to improve mental health services in area schools.

“I am committed to addressing the gaps in access to mental healthcare for schools in our region,” Rep. Katko said. “This funding will expand Wayne County’s offerings of on-site mental health promotion and prevention services, enabling the schools to better address the mental health needs of nearly 7,000 students.”

The U.S. Department of Education awarded $2.5 million over five years to the Sodus Central (N.Y.) School District along with Lyons, Newark, North-Rose Wolcott, and Clyde-Savannah school districts, to bolster on-site mental health services as part of the Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program by increasing the capacity to train school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals.

“With only one-third of those struggling with mental illness receiving the appropriate treatment, it is imperative that we take immediate steps to bolster our mental health workforce and ensure children living in underserved communities have access to early intervention services and preventative mental health programming,” said Rep. Katko.

Nelson Kise, Superintendent of Schools for the Sodus Central School District, said his school district “is eager for this opportunity to work with our neighboring districts and our community partners to help make our schools more safe and supportive.”

On Capitol Hill, Rep. Katko continues to prioritize legislation to improve mental health services in schools and in May sponsored the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019, H.R. 2431, which would increase the number of mental healthcare professionals practicing in underserved communities by authorizing a loan repayment program for them.

Rep. Katko introduced the bipartisan H.R. 2431 in May with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA). The bill now has 18 other cosponsors and is being reviewed by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.