We are urging North Carolina government officials to implement Mental Health Days in North Carolina Schools allowing for kids and teens to recharge or reset when feeling mentally unwell.  Staying home from school is acceptable for physical illnesses and mental health should be treated the same.  There are 12 states who already have legislation in place to allow for Mental Health Days ,and with North Carolina having one of the largest percentages of teenage depression in the country, it is paramount that advances in equalizing the importance of mental health to physical health are made in this state.   

2022 statistics show North Carolina has one of the the highest percentages of teen depression in all of the 50 states (plus DC ). It ranks number 40 for youth with at least one depressive episode in past year. NC ranks 46 out of 51 for youth with SEVERE major depressive episode in the past year . Statistics are from MHA (Mental Health Alliance) and can be accessed by clicking this link 2022 State of Mental Health in America

On the same note of equality of all types of health, a subtopic of our petition letter calls for legislation that pushes Health Insurance companies to provide better coverage for psychological health. In the category of "Children With Private Insurance That Did Not Cover Mental or Emotional Problems" , North Carolina scored an abysmal 41/51 in the state rankings.  The steep rise in depression in teens ,and consequently suicide,  over the last  5-10 years is a loud signal that change needs to be made now. 

Click on Link below to see great information on how NAMI details the policy changes recommended:

NAMI ( National Alliance on Mental Illness) Advocates For School Mental Health Days