Policy Action Center

Legislation, Advocacy and Community-Building

Support Bill S.2114 in Massachusetts

"An Act relative to the promotion of mental health education in Massachusetts high schools."

In 2015, LEAD partnered with MA Senator Jennifer Flanagan to write Bill S.2114, an act ensuring all 700 high schools in Massachusetts would incorporate mental health into each health education curricula. With the passing of Bill S.2114, all schools would offer a mental-health focused version of health education, in addition to or as an alternative to the existing health class.

Why it Matters

Mental health education has been proven to reduce mental illness, stress, anxiety and self-harm in adolescence. A class promoting mental health is not taught at any public school in the United States. With children and teenagers suffering from mental illness at a higher rate than other age groups, we must make teaching coping mechanisms and emotional wellbeing a priority in our schools.

Show your support!

Email your state representative/senator advocating for Mental Health Promotion to be taught in your schools. The last time the Health Education standards were updated was 1999! As scientific research progresses and society changes, the knowledge being taught to students must also evolve and adapt to current needs.

Email your legislators and advocate for mental health education in high schools.

Public Testimony

Representatives from LEAD often appear in front of elected officials to provide public testimony on bills and issues. Advocating for access to mental healthcare, rehabilitation services for those addicted to substances, and mental health education in schools have all been issues LEAD has advocated for in the past.

DC Paid Family Leave Testimony

LEAD's President, Kyrah Altman, provided the DC Council with insight regarding how paid family leave will positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of mothers, children and incarcerated individuals. This testimony took place at the Wilson Building in Washington, DC during the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development hearing.

Want to advocate for your community?

You can offer testimony on important policy issues, too! You can learn more about upcoming legislation in your state here.

Need help writing testimony? Email our Policy Director Nora Hennessey.