This week, the Florida State Board of Education elected to implement mental health education in public school curriculums.
Within the newly formed order, it was formally stated that educational facilities are compelled to have “at least five (5) hours of mental health instruction” for students in grades six (6) to twelve (12) in every school year.
Richard Corcoran, the education commissioner, has said:
“This is just the beginning. It’s no secret that mental illness robs students of the ability to reach their full potential, and we are joining forces to combat this disease and give our students the tools they need to thrive.”
“We are going to reinvent school-based mental health awareness in Florida, and we will be the number one state in the nation in terms of mental health outreach and school safety – all because of the Governor’s and First Lady’s remarkable vision. As usual, we will be a model of innovation and reform for other states to mimic.”
Corcoran continued that first lady Casey DeSantis:
“..has taken the lead to get the ball rolling with her recent Hope for Healing launch, and we are building on the momentum of her great leadership.”
The mental health instruction is in place to provide youths the awareness and aid in terms of emotional well-being as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline department has put it as “awareness of signs and symptoms, process for getting or seeking help for themselves or others.”
DeSantis also have mentioned that with the help of her spouse, Governor Ron DeSantis, that they are aware “about the struggles that adversely affect so many of our children” on which it was further emphasized when she added:
“We know that 50 percent of all mental illness cases begin by age 14, so we are being proactive in our commitment to provide our kids with the necessary tools to see them through their successes and challenges.”
“Providing mental health instruction is another important step forward in supporting our families.”
No confirmed date has been released on when the said education will be recognized on the state’s public schools.
