MAMH and CMHC Testimony in Support of H.497/S.240, An Act Relative to the Promotion of Mental Health Education

Written testimony to Chair Denise Garlick, Chair Jason Lewis, and members of the Joint Committee on Education in support of H.497, An Act relative to the promotion of mental health education and S.240, An Act relative to mental health education.

This legislation provide students with information to understand their own mental health, skills to build and strengthen their own resilience, and resources to provide them additional support when they need it. Requiring mental health education appropriate for developmental stages at each grade level will help students understand, value, and protect their mental health.

This bill promotes the physical and mental wellbeing of students, and recognizes the multiple dimensions of health and the relationship between physical and mental health. The mental health education requirement will enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that promote health, wellbeing, and human dignity.