Res. No. 407

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.6814, requiring teachers colleges to incorporate a course of instruction in mental health.

By Council Members Louis, Restler, Brannan, Cabán and Gutiérrez

Whereas, The National Institute of Mental Health  has confirmed that, at present, there are more than 10 million students who are in need of mental health support; and

Whereas, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has observed that schools are in a unique position to serve as a resource for vital connections to mental health resources and supports for young people who might feel overwhelmed and isolated when facing a mental health crisis; and 

Whereas, NAMI estimates approximately 46 percent of the 55 million students who attend school in the United States will experience a mental health disorder at some point within their lifetime; and

Whereas, NAMI reported one in five young people are currently living with a mental health condition, and due to a lack of capacity within school systems to deliver or make referrals for mental health services, less than half of those students are able to receive treatment; and

Whereas, Effective July 2018, New York State Education Law § 804 requires that mental health be part of the curriculum of health education mandated in schools; and

Whereas, The New York State Education Department, the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Mental Health Association of New York State established the New York State Mental Health Education Advisory Council to provide guidance to schools on how to incorporate mental health curricula; and

Whereas, The Advisory Council’s guidelines recommended nine core elements be part of mental health education in all schools including teaching the concept of mental health as part of wellness, how to identify early signs of mental health problems, how negative stigma and attitudes toward mental illness can contribute to discrimination against people and cause people to avoid getting help and how to access appropriate resources for help and support for someone facing a mental health crisis or problem; and

Whereas, Although the Advisory Council has created an online resource center that includes teacher trainings, lesson plans and information, these are broad guidelines that do not define how the mental health education should be delivered to students in accordance with the new regulations; and

Whereas, New York State Senate Bill S.6814, sponsored by State Senator Julia Salazar, would require teachers colleges to incorporate a course of instruction in mental health; and

Whereas, To date, there has been no reintroduction of a companion bill in the New York State Assembly; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.6814, requiring teachers colleges to incorporate a course of instruction in mental health.

Session 12

CD

LS 3228

4/18/22

Session 11

CD

LS 12144

Res 1150-2019