The mental health of children and youth is at greater risk than ever, and both the House and Senate supported versions of this bill providing mental health first aid instruction to youth and adults who work with youth. However, this Senate substitute corrects problems in the original wording of both versions. Virginia has been providing the evidence based Mental Health First Aid training for several years, so instead of tasking the state with creating a training, the Senate bill tasks state agencies with encouraging school staff and students to participate in the training. It is important that training maximize opportunities for participation in all schools. It can connect children in distress with appropriate supports, and save lives.
The mental health of children and youth is at greater risk than ever, and both the House and Senate supported versions of this bill providing mental health first aid instruction to youth and adults who work with youth. However, this Senate substitute corrects problems in the original wording of both versions. Virginia has been providing the evidence based Mental Health First Aid training for several years, so instead of tasking the state with creating a training, the Senate bill tasks state agencies with encouraging school staff and students to participate in the training. It is important that training maximize opportunities for participation in all schools. It can connect children in distress with appropriate supports, and save lives.