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Congresswoman Beatty Introduces Pair of Mental Health Measures

December 2, 2013

Beatty Introduces Pair of Mental Health Measures

Legislation to Support Suicide Prevention Awareness and Mental Health Awareness in Schools

(Washington, D.C.) – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement detailing a pair of mental health measures she sponsored, Support Our Student Act (S.O.S. Act), H.R. 3536, supporting mental health training for school professionals and H.Con.Res. 64, supporting the goals and ideals of suicide prevention.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty introduced the S.O.S. Act, H.R. 3536, which would award grants to states and local educational agencies to support and/or develop programs that will train teachers and school personnel in recognizing youth mental health conditions and suicide prevention efforts.

According to the latest study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 124,000 children in Ohio live with serious mental health conditions. Approximately 50% of students age 14 and older, who are living with a mental illness, drop out of high school. This is the highest drop-out rate of any disability group. Within the 3rd congressional district of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Education; Nationwide Children's Hospital; and The Ohio State University all have programs that focus on mental health in children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs.

"The S.O.S Act, if enacted, will provide support for school personnel to learn the key warning signs of mental health challenges and the impact that these conditions can have on a student's ability to learn, behave, contribute, and thrive in the classroom."

"I believe it is important to provide assistance to teachers and school personnel to learn about the key warning signs of mental health illness in students and the impact that mental health conditions can have on a student's contribution in the classroom."

"This legislation paves the way for successful evidence-based training initiatives to empower more mental health professionals to take appropriate action in linking adolescents to the services they need."

In addition, H.Con.Res. 64, was introduced to support efforts to raise awareness and improve outreach to individuals at risk for suicide, especially veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Furthermore, the resolution also encourages individuals to become more aware of the warning signs of suicide and how one can help prevent suicide and promote mental health awareness and access.

According to the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, 1,200 Ohioans die by suicide each year, an average of 3 persons per day. In Franklin County, on average, 11.7 out of every 100,000 individuals commit suicide, slightly above the national average. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide works against prevention by discouraging at-risk individuals from seeking life-saving help.

H.Con.Res. 64, if enacted, raises awareness about a serious public health epidemic that affects not only Ohio and the 3rd Congressional District, but the country as well. The bill has the support of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation; American Association of Suicidology; Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University located in Columbus, Ohio; and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

"Suicide is a serious public health problem that causes suffering and loss to individuals, families, and our communities nationwide. We need to give Americans the training and tools to identify the warning signs of suicide, how to help prevent suicide, and promote access to mental health resources."

Greg Beswick I Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-03) I District and Communications Director I 614.220.0003

Issues:Healthcare