Mental Health First Aid Bill Launch

Mental health impacts children's readiness to learn just as surely as having the right textbooks, up-to-date technology, or school meals. That's why this legislation aims at sharpening the expertise of educators across New York State. This Mental Health First Aid Bill will contribute to our schools' ability to promote wellness. Educators will be better able to assess risks and make that critical first link towards help. This measure will help strengthen the infrastructure of mental health care in our communities and I am proud to be joined by so many colleagues, and advocates concerned about education, mental health, and promoting the well-being of youth in our state.

Colleagues who have joined in this effort to improve mental health include:

• Senator David Carlucci
• Senator Leroy Comrie
• Senator Roxanne Persaud
• Assembly Member Charles Barron
• Assembly Member Diana Richardson
• Assembly Member Didi Barrett
• Assembly Member Félix W. Ortiz
• Assembly Member Latrice Walker
• Assembly Member Luis Sepúlveda
• Assembly Member Robert Rodriguez
• Assembly Member Ron Kim
• Assembly Member Steve Katz

Organizations who have joined in this effort to improve menthal health include:

• Cerebral Palsy Association of New York State
• Community Access
• Families On The Move of New York City, Inc.
• Harm Reduction Coalition
• Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS)
• Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (IAC)
• Self Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS)
• New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
• National Alliance on Mental Illness - NYS / (NAMI NYS)
• National Council for Behavioral Health
• New York State Coalition for Children's Behavioral Health
• SUNY Downstate
• Upstate New York Autism Alliance (UNYAA)
• Urban Justice Center (UJC)