Skip to main content

Manning Introduces Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

October 14, 2021

Legislation to integrate mental health promotion and education into existing school policies

Greensboro, N.C. – Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06) is announcing the introduction of H.R.5526, the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act. This bill would integrate mental health promotion and education within existing local school wellness policies to provide a comprehensive approach to teaching children and adolescents about the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a 25% increase in pediatric emergency room admissions for mental health reasons and a 30% increase in adolescent eating disorder diagnoses. Congresswoman Manning introduced this bill in the House with Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler (R-MO). A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

“I’m proud to introduce the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act to build on the existing wellness systems in schools and to ensure that students of all ages have access to resources and education that promote mental health,” said Congresswoman Manning. “Throughout the last year and a half, students have experienced great difficulties because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s more important than ever that we prioritize mental health resources for young people.”

Congresswoman Manning is proud to partner with The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness, Be Real USA, and The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action to promote the importance of student mental health.

“The EDC is thankful to Representatives Hartzler and Manning and Senators Lummis and Klobuchar for leading these bills and recognizing the need for mental health education and awareness in our nation’s schools,” said Chase Bannister, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, Board President of the EDC. “We must work together to change the narrative that values physical health over mental health. This legislation will help increase people’s openness and comfort on talking about it.”

Read the bill text here.

###