Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A bill sponsored and championed by a Levittown-area state representative passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday.
House Bill 2331, which was pushed forward by State Rep. John Galloway, a Democrat from Falls Township, would connect schools and families to community mental health resources.
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State Rep. Tina Davis, a Democrat from Bristol Township, and State Rep. Frank Farry, a Republican from Langhorne Borough, both voted in favor of the bill that passed 202-0.
The bill now moves forward to the state Senate.
The legislation would create a clearinghouse of available mental health care services. The information would be publicly accessible and have resources from throughout the state. In addition, this clearinghouse would allow school personnel to learn about and take advantage of existing programs and resources for their schools.
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Presently, it can be a challenge for school officials and the public to find the resources available to deal with mental health challenges.
“We have created tremendous resources in the country to fight this war, but there is no coordination. Like thousands of pieces to a puzzle thrown on the floor, with no picture on the box to show you what it is supposed to look like,” Galloway said.
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The state representative said so much money is spent on treatment and not enough on prevention.
“Too many children struggle with untreated mental health issues, and it can be difficult for schools to provide them with the necessary care and services. This bill would create a critical network to help schools, communities, and health care providers share information about mental health resources and programs,” Galloway said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and I hope the Senate will consider this legislation quickly. It’s time we make sure students receive the care they need.”
Additionally, Galloway has introduced House Bill 2187 to create an ombudsperson to oversee childrens’ mental health resources statewide. The ombudsperson would look to identify systemic issues relating to kids getting treatment, while monitoring compliance with laws related to children’s behavioral health services. Complaints involving violations by regulated entities would be investigated by the ombudsperson, and there would be an attempt to resolve complaints.
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House Bill 2187 has yet to come to the floor of the House for a vote.
The 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health found that one in six American children between the ages of 6 and 17 had a treatable mental health disorder ranging from depression to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
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