Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health Awareness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senator introduces bill to codify April as Counseling Awareness Month in Ohio
Summary
Senator Blackshear presented sponsor testimony for Senate Bill 121 to designate April as Counseling Awareness Month, noting the American Counseling Association originally observed the month and urging the committee to codify it to destigmatize mental health and attract people to the counseling profession.
Senate Bill 121, which would designate April as Counseling Awareness Month in Ohio, received sponsor testimony before the Senate Health Committee.
Senator Blackshear, sponsor of the bill, told the committee that Counseling Awareness Month "is a time to recognize the important role counselors play in promoting mental health and well-being." He described counselors' roles in schools, family crisis support, addiction recovery and providing safe spaces to talk.
Blackshear noted April was first designated by the American Counseling Association in 2002 and said codifying the month at the state level could help destigmatize mental health and attract more people to the counseling profession. He also said a similar bill passed the Ohio House in the previous general assembly but did not clear the Senate before adjournment.
The hearing record contains the sponsor's testimony; there was no committee vote or further action recorded during the session.
