Subcommittee advances bill to expand school participation in Mental Health First Aid
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Summary
SB 13 77 (conformed with House companion) would codify and facilitate a partnership between the Virginia Department of Education and DBHDS to expand participation in the Commonwealth Mental Health First Aid program in public schools; the bill was reported to Appropriations.
Senator Hashmi presented Senate Bill 13 77, a bill conforming to House language that formalizes a partnership between the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to support participation in the Commonwealth Mental Health First Aid program in public schools.
Hashmi told the committee the bill stems from recommendations from the pandemic response and preparedness work group and is intended to address gaps in identifying students in crisis. The measure would facilitate training for faculty and staff, incentivize participation, and promote dissemination of information about the Mental Health First Aid program.
No opposition was recorded at the hearing. The subcommittee voted to report SB 13 77 and refer it to Appropriations; the clerk recorded the bill as reported by a vote of 8 to 0.
If enacted, the bill would institutionalize partnerships and supports to expand Mental Health First Aid training across public school divisions.