Bill > HJR0571

This Joint Resolution formally recognizes Youth Leadership Dickson and the Bridge Builders Mental and Emotional Health CHANGE cohort for their advocacy in support of mental health legislation, specifically highlighting their efforts to allow students to use excused absences for mental or behavioral health needs. The resolution acknowledges the significant challenges K-12 students face with mental health, citing statistics on depressive symptoms and emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing mental health by treating it similarly to physical health, allowing students to take breaks for self-care and well-being, which can ultimately improve their learning. It notes that twelve other states have similar policies and that these groups actively worked to pass legislation, with Youth Leadership Dickson drafting specific bills and the Bridge Builders cohort meeting with lawmakers to advocate for its passage.