In 2019, the Utah Legislature passed HB373, Student Support Amendments. The bill will fund $26 million toward mental health services in schools. This is a huge win not only for education but for the future of our state.
However, HB373 contains some concerning restrictions. For example, the funding will only match the amount of money that individual school districts come up with for the mental health providers. Accordingly, if a district is unable to come up with the funding for a mental health provider, then it will not be given any additional funding — leaving them with nothing.
The National Adolescent Health Information Center conducted a study that found that, of youths under the age of 18 years, one in five requires services for mental, emotional or behavioral issues. Of these, only one in five actually receives services.
We are doing a huge injustice to these children. In order for students to be successful academically, we must make sure that their social and emotional needs are being met. These children are our future. Let’s amend HB373 to ensure that future is bright.
Olivia Buckner, Salt Lake City
