Our kids are in crisis – and we have a responsibility to act.
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John,

American kids and teens are reporting record-high levels of stress, sadness, and depression. I’ve seen it in my former students, my constituents, and in the kids I’ve spoken with during recent visits to high schools around Vermont.

Our kids are in crisis – and we have a responsibility to act. That’s why today, I’m proud to introduce The Peer Education and Emergency Response for Mental Health Act. 

My bill ensures that teachers, school personnel, and students can be trained and ready to assist their peers who may be facing a mental health crisis by:

  • Recognizing symptoms of mental health disorders in children and adolescents.
  • Referring participants to necessary mental health treatment.
  • Identifying signs of immediate mental distress (such as a panic attack) and, upon recognizing such signs, apply mental health first aid tactics.
  • Educating participants on the resources that are available in the community for individuals with mental health challenges.

Peer education is an effective, research-backed tool that we can use to improve the mental health of kids and teens – and I’m incredibly proud to introduce this bill on behalf of young people in Vermont and across the country. 

Add your name here to become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of my very first bill – The Peer Education and Emergency Response for Mental Health Act.

BECOME A CITIZEN CO-SPONSOR

With kids and teens under immense pressure to do well academically, excel in extracurriculars, get into colleges, be accepted by their peers, be present on social media, and look, act, and perform in certain ways, it’s no wonder that 42% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (according to the CDC).

Over the past three months, I’ve heard time and time again that teens want to know how they can show up for their friends, classmates, and siblings who are struggling with mental health. It’s time for us to empower, educate, and equip young people with the knowledge they need to help their peers navigate through tough times. This is just one tool to give people experiencing mental health challenges the support they need, but it is a first step in addressing this crisis.

If you support my work to address teen mental health, add your name here to become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of my very first bill – The Peer Education and Emergency Response for Mental Health Act.

BECOME A CITIZEN CO-SPONSOR

Thank you,

Becca Balint
 
 
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Paid for by Becca Balint for Vermont, P.O. Box 291, Burlington, VT

Becca for Vermont
P.O. Box 291
Burlington, VT 05302
United States