U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) on May 15 offered a bipartisan bill that would add mental health as a category for inclusion in local school wellness policies.
“Pandemic school closures caused an alarming rise in mental health issues for young people,” Rep. Valadao said, “and as a father of three these trends are a big concern to me.”
The Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act, H.R. 3331, which Rep. Valadao cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC), would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to modify requirements for local school wellness policies, according to the congressional record bill summary.
For instance, “mental health promotion and education” would be added to the law, while “obesity and eating disorders” also would be added, according to the bill’s text.
If enacted, H.R. 3331 also would establish a multidisciplinary team of school personnel to lead the development, implementation, and periodic review and updating of the local school wellness policy, the text says, and school-based mental health services providers (when available) would be required to promote mental health, encourage mental health assessments, and establish resilient school environments.
“Incorporating mental health education into existing school wellness programs will help to create a comprehensive approach to what our students are already learning about healthy wellness habits,” said Rep. Valadao. “This bipartisan bill ensures Central Valley schools have the tools they need to educate students about the importance of maintaining their mental and physical health so they can lead happy, fulfilling lives.”
Rep. Manning pointed out that students across America are grappling with the repercussions of the pandemic and increased pressures from social media. “Congress must act urgently to address the mental health needs of students,” she said.
H.R. 3331 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 754, introduced on March 9 by U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in their chamber.
The Eating Disorders Council, the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, and the American Psychological Association support the measure.