Illinois just made history. Governor JB Pritzker signed a first-of-its-kind law that will require every public school in the state to offer optional mental health screenings to students in grades 3 through 12. It’s a simple, powerful step — and one that could change lives.

Across the country, millions of students are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. These challenges don’t always show up on the outside, but they affect how kids learn, connect, and function every single day. Right now, most schools don’t have a system to catch these problems early — and too often, the first sign something’s wrong is when a child breaks down or drops out.

We already screen students for hearing and vision. Why not for mental health? Optional, confidential screenings can help identify students who need support before things spiral. With trained professionals and follow-up care, this approach doesn’t just help individual students — it can shift the culture of an entire school.

No parent should have to wait for a crisis to find out their child was suffering. No student should have to suffer silently. Illinois has shown the way — now the rest of the country must follow.

We’re calling on the U.S. Department of Education and lawmakers in every state to bring mental health screenings to every public school in America. This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting kids.

Add your name if you believe every student deserves the chance to be seen, supported, and safe.