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Abstract

The escalating prevalence of mental health issues among today's young adults underscores the vital importance of addressing mental health in the pursuit of public health objectives. In response to this, The House Education and Labor Committee issued a report on the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2020 (the Act), to amend the Public Health Service Act relating to school children. This revision seeks to bolster the support for students and young people by ensuring their access to comprehensive mental health programs within the school environment. The Act recognizes that safeguarding mental health is an immediate concern for public health professionals, deserving the same urgency as physical health. It underscores the critical point that poor mental health significantly impacts a student's academic performance, professional life, and overall social well-being. When left unaddressed, it can lead to a profound deterioration in a student's behavior, affecting not only themselves but also those in their immediate surroundings. Research demonstrates that the presence of mental health providers in schools yields several positive outcomes for students, such as an enhanced school environment. Schools that enlist the services of therapists and offer mental health resources enjoy improved attendance rates, reduced suspension and expulsion rates, enhanced academic performance, and higher graduation rates.

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