National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that 1 in 5 children ages 13- 18 has, or will have, a serious mental illness. Where 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. 

Unfortunately, there is a lack of mental health resources and access to students in high-need schools. H.R. 6214- Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act will enforce the "Department of Education to award formula grants to state educational agencies and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to increase access to school-based, mental-health-services providers at high-need public elementary and secondary schools."

School Based Health Alliance states, “Youth with access to mental health services in school-based health centers are 10 times more likely to seek care for mental health or substance abuse than youth without access.” Increasing access to mental health services at primary and secondary schools would alleviate the stigma and pain associated with mental health. 

 You have the power to make a difference in children's lives. For all the reasons mentioned above, we ask that you support H.R. 6214 by signing this petition so that the bill passes. Thank you for your time and consideration.