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Bill would help schools deal with students mental health

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(Harrisburg) — A bill before the state Senate is designed to help school districts better address the mental health needs of their students. 

The bill would give schools the option to hire a social worker or similar professional to focus solely on mental health, based on the needs of individual districts.

State Senator Wayne Langerholc says he crafted the measure after meeting with superintendents in his district.

“What they told me overwhelmingly is that mental health needs are not addressed adequately, and by that I say, guidance counselors are taken in different directions, preoccupied with school, testing or further education, that they don’t have the time to devote to the mental health needs for the schools,” he said.

Langerholc says identifying mental health issues can help  a child who may be falling behind in school and possibly prevent a violent act.  

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