Napolitano Sponsors Bill to Provide Mental Health Services in Schools

A bill, sponsored by Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Calif., along with 45 original cosponsors, is proposing to fund on-site school-based mental health services for youth.

Napolitano, Baldwin Park’s Congressional representative in the 32nd District, has championed mental health services, citing mental illness as a major issue in today’s gun violence.

The Mental Health in Schools Act would create a competitive grant program in providing $200,000,000 in competitive grants of up to $1 million each that would allow school districts to hire mental health professionals for school sites.

“Mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness, and we must reduce stigma to ensure the quality of life of our youngsters, our families, our communities, and our returning service members,” Napolitano said in a written statement. “It is okay to seek help. We must secure and protect the federal funding needed to carry out affordable mental health services and programs for all Americans. Government recognition for the need of mental health services is long overdue.”

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