In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Senator Regina Barrow is taking steps to address the mental health crisis affecting young people. She has introduced three bills this week in an effort to tackle the issue. The first proposed bill would allow Louisiana students to take mental health days as excused absences.
Senator Barrow believes it is crucial to offer support to young people struggling with mental health issues. She wants students to know that it is okay to seek help when they are not feeling well. Suicide is a leading cause of death for teens and young people, and Barrow hopes that new legislation can help prevent such tragedies.
Under the proposed bill, high school and college students in Louisiana would be able to take up to two mental health days per semester. They would also have the opportunity to make up any missed school work before the semester ends. Senator Barrow is committed to eliminating barriers to mental health care for students.
In addition to the bill on mental health days, Senator Barrow has introduced other legislation focused on student mental health. SB349 would require mental health evaluations for high school student-athletes who are injured in sporting events. SB 310 would mandate that every public and approved nonpublic secondary school print the number 988, the suicide and crisis hotline, on the back of all student IDs.
The goal of these bills is to enhance mental health support for students and ensure that they have access to the resources they need during difficult times. Senator Barrow is dedicated to improving mental health services for young people in Louisiana, and she is working to address gaps in the current system.
