Letter: Why we must all help students get early mental health help

Why we must all help students get early mental health help

Re: “Equip students, schools with mental health first aid” (Opinion section, Eastbaytimes.com, Oct. 1):

SB 428 is a bill that awaits the governor’s signature. This would require all schools in California to train 10% of their staff on youth mental and behavioral health.

It is important to recognize mental health problems when the students are young and refer them to help and intervention. On the high school level, this will help teenagers who have addictions.

So often children with discipline problems have some mental issue. With this training, teachers and staff will be able to learn about addictions and other health needs that are tolerated but not treated.

It is imperative that this bill is signed by Oct. 13 when the bill-signing period ends.

Mary McMahon
Livermore

 

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