FRANKFORT – State Rep. Will Coursey’s effort to increase the number of mental-health professionals in Kentucky’s schools took a step closer to becoming law this morning when the Kentucky House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for his House Bill 604.
“In the days after that January 23rd tragedy at Marshall County High School, I began meeting with mental health professionals, law enforcement, educators, and others to see what steps they might recommend,” Rep. Coursey said. “I wanted to hear what they had to say about making our schools a more open and safer place. One of the things they told me is that our guidance counselors are often overwhelmed trying to address their students’ academic needs. They just don’t have the time to offer the support and expertise that many students require beyond their studies. That’s where House Bill 604 comes in.”
The legislation calls on school districts to have one mental-health professional on staff for every 1,500 students. They would not only address student needs but help teachers and administrators be better trained as well at spotting and responding to students in their care.
Numerous legislators from both parties spoke in favor of Rep. Coursey’s proposal, which is being co-sponsored by state Rep. Steven Rudy of West Paducah. His district is the site of the Heath High School shooting in 1997, and he also is chair of the House’s Appropriations and Revenue Committee, which writes the state’s budget.
“He is in a good position to advocate for the necessary funding our schools need to make this bill a reality,” Rep. Coursey said. “My sincere hope is that we can find money in the upcoming budget, or through other means, to bring these professionals into our schools as soon as possible so they can began making a difference.” During his remarks, Rep. Coursey noted that the General Assembly’s Health and Welfare and Family Services Committee discussed last fall what are called adverse childhood experiences (ACE), which include abuse, domestic violence and the loss of a parent to prison or divorce.
Legislators were told that nearly half of the children in the United States have suffered from at least one ACE, and those with three or more have a life expectancy that is up to 20 years lower than the national average. The rate of ACEs in Kentucky exceeds what is found in many other states.
“We know that many of our students bring these ACEs with them to school,” he said. “It is our responsibility to provide the type of school climate and environment that will allow ALL students to learn and thrive. That ultimately creates a safer environment for everyone in our schools. That is the intent of this legislation.” Rep. Coursey also thanked Lisa Willner, a licensed psychologist who is Executive Director of the Kentucky Psychological Association and an elected school board member in Jefferson County.
“Dr. Willner said the most protective factor against violence in schools is a high level of student sense of belonging,” Rep. Coursey added. “Students are much more likely to seek treatment and to speak up about possible threats when they attend schools with the kinds of positive environments and emotional support in place that my bill would provide.”
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Rep. Coursey said he encourages supporters of “this life-saving measure to call their state senator and urge them to vote for it and send it on to the governor for his signature.” He noted the General Assembly is nearing the end of the legislative session, which ends in less than a month. “Time is of the essence.” House Bill 604 can be found online here: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/18rs/bills_H.htm
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State Rep. Will Coursey addresses the House Friday morning during his presentation of House Bill 604, which calls for schools to have a mental health professional on staff for every 1,500 students.
PHOTO CREDIT:
LRC Public Information
Video of Rep. Coursey’s remarks on the House floor can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1ySOZkGoWA