House passes mental health bill

The Marianas Public School System would share $25 million with other insular area school districts to provide mental health services for students under terms of the Mental Health Matters Actpassed by the House on Thursday. I joined Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) to introduce H.R. 7780 in May. Grant funds could be used to recruit and retain school-based mental health service providers. The Marianas Public School System serves a high percentage of students from families with incomes below the poverty line, who might not be able to afford mental health care for their children. I believe students, regardless of income, should have access to the health care they need. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration