Bonamici, Langworthy, Thompson, Introduce the CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act During National Suicide Prevention Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced H.R. 9656, the bipartisan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student Mental Health and Wellness Act, alongside co-chairs of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson (PA-15) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). This legislation would expand the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grant program to make Career & Technical Education schools eligible for mental health and substance use disorder services grants.

"Western New York and the Southern Tier are proud to have so many hardworking men and women pursuing a technical career education, but despite them being a vital part of our workforce, too many of these students face mental health challenges without access to the same federal resources available to others - this legislation will change that," said Congressman Langworthy. "I'm proud to lead this bill to ensure our CTE students have the tools they need to navigate mental health and substance abuse challenges, keeping them on track for new careers where they can continue to build their own futures and the future of our nation."

"As a record number of Americans enroll in successful postsecondary career and technical education programs, we must ensure these students have the necessary resources to thrive and succeed,"said Chairman Thompson."As co-chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to guarantee that these programs have access to critical mental health resources and help students successfully complete their studies."

Congresswoman Bonamici added,"Educators, parents, and health professionals have told me that they are seeing more students struggle with mental health and substance use challenges, especially after pandemic-related social isolation. Institutes of higher education have an important role in providing needed health services and care, but Career & Technical Education (CTE) schools do not currently qualify for grants that would expand mental health resources. This bipartisan bill will end this exemption and improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for students in CTE schools."

The Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program aims to enhance services for students with mental health or substance use disorders that can lead to school failure, such as depression, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts. They also aim to prevent mental and substance use disorders, reduce stigma, and improve the identification and treatment of students at risk, helping them successfully complete their studies. This program does not currently provide grants to Career and Technical Education Schools under the Public Health Service Act.

Original cosponsors include Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Don Davis (NC-01), Mike Bost (IL-12), Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04), Max Miller (OH-07), Michael Rulli (OH-06), James Moylan (GU-AL), and Don Bacon (NE-02).

This legislation also has wide support from outside organizations including American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Association for Career and Technical Education, Advance CTE, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, National Rural Health Association, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors-National Association (PHCC), Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated Equipment Distributors, Associated General Contractors of America, and National Association of School Psychologists.

"In 2022, suicide was the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24,"said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention."This is a serious public health crisis, but we know that suicide can be prevented. AFSP applauds Rep. Langworthy, Rep. Bonamici, and Rep. Thompson for their bipartisan collaboration on CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act. This important legislation will expand the reach of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program grants to allow more institutes of education to empower and support their students' mental health by ensuring career and technical education schools are eligible for mental health and substance use disorder service grants."

"The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student Mental Health and Wellness Act will bring much-needed parity between four-year colleges and CTE schools as they address the mental health difficulties faced by our future workforce. The CDC reports construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide across all occupational groups, and an exceptional number of skilled tradespeople contend with overall mental health issues. This legislation is an important step in mitigating those challenges early, before entry into the workforce, by making life-changing resources available to those who otherwise lack access. We are grateful for Congressman Langworthy's support and empathy for those whose struggle goes unnoticed and untreated,"said Joe Cornetta, President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association. "NSSGA and our member companies are committed to protecting the health and well-being of their most precious resource: their workers. We applaud Rep. Langworthy, Rep. Bonamici, and Rep. Thompson for introducing the CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act to expand access to mental health and substance abuse disorder services grants to Career & Technical Education schools,"added Michele Stanley of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Kristen Swearingen, Associated Builders and Contractors Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs, said,"ABC is committed to creating a safe and healthy industry for the millions of people who make construction their career. By providing the current and future workforce access to resources to improve total human health, employers and workforce development providers can equip workers with the tools they need to prioritize mental health and protect their emotional wellbeing. ABC's commitment to advancing total human health is why ABC strongly supports Representatives Nick Langworthy, Glenn Thompson, and Suzanne Bonamici's CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act, which makes area Career & Technical Education schools eligible for mental health and substance use disorder services grants provided by the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grant program. It is vital that CTE schools have access to the same resources as other institutions of higher education to help workers enjoy the abundance life has to offer through their careers and beyond." "Access to mental health services is a crucial aspect of a supportive educational environment, including at postsecondary CTE institutions. If covered under the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grant program, postsecondary CTE institutions would be better able to provide critical care to their students in the same way other postsecondary education institutions can,"said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry. "It is imperative that we equip CTE students with the resources they need to ensure their health and well-being. ACTE is proud to endorse the CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act and is grateful to Representatives Nick Langworthy, Suzanne Bonamici, and Glenn 'GT' Thompson for their leadership and commitment to CTE students nationwide." "This legislation would ensure that Area Career and Technical Centers are included as a covered institution under the Campus Suicide Prevention program-a critical recognition that learners' mental health and wellbeing must be prioritized throughout our nation's postsecondary system, including at institutions specializing in CTE,"stated Advance CTE Executive Director Kate Kreamer. "Advance CTE commends Representatives Langworthy, Bonamici, and Thompson for their leadership on this important issue and is pleased to endorse the CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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