SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge in tackling the mental health crisis thanks to a new measure that would ensure mental health support for educational staff.
“The mental health crisis continues to affect people every day,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Currently, educational staff do not have the mental health support or resources needed to get the care they deserve – and now it’s up to us to help break down these barriers so they can access care.”
To provide mental health support to education staff, House Bill 4862 would require each school board to develop a staff mental health support procedure. The procedure would be required to include a commitment to supporting employee mental health in the workplace, opportunities to provide feedback on employee mental health, annual communication with information on resources and support available to staff, and opportunities for the school board to receive information regarding employee mental health initiatives and programs.
“By ensuring procedures are put in place that prioritize educational staff’s mental health, we are supporting their ability to get the care they need,” said Villivalam. “This is one more step toward bolstering positive outcomes for our neighbors.”
House Bill 4862 passed the Senate Wednesday and now heads to the governor for final approval.
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