New York Governor Signs Law for Mental Health Education

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed legislation that will require all middle and high school health classes to teach about mental health as part of their curriculum.

The legislation will take effect in 2018 and will focus on helping students “recognize the signs of mental health issues in themselves or in others, and to give them the confidence and resources to seek help” (Kim, 2016).

“I’m so glad this passed,” stated Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District Superintendent Carl Mummenthey. “Anything we can do to highlight the signs and symptoms and direct students to the right services will ultimately help them be successful in the long run,” he added (Kim, 2016).

While some schools are already providing students with education about mental health issues, Gov. Cuomo’s legislation will ensure that all schools in New York State will be on the same page starting in 2018. In addition, the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) is “working on new legislation for next year that will provide teachers, not just health teachers, with basic mental health education” (Kim, 2016).

References

Kim, V. (2016). NY Gov. Cuomo signs law mandating mental health education in middle and high schools. Retrieved from https://www.thefix.com/ny-gov-cuomo-signs-law-mandating-mental-health-education-middle-and-high-schools