Kentucky leaders are joining a national project meant to support student mental health.
They’ll be joining the National Governors Association’s mental health academy alongside Alabama, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Virginia.
The project is called the Policy Academy to Drive Thriving Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, hosted by the Association’s Center for Best Practices Children and Families.
It’s meant to help what state leaders call a “mental health crisis” that was worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman’s office said in a release that Kentucky will be focusing on improving mental health services in schools, and giving more of a voice to students.
It comes after a series of discussions with students hosted by Coleman’s office. They also advocated for better suicide prevention programs, more awareness education and allowing excused mental health absences.
If experiencing a suicidal, substance use or mental health crisis, call the 988 lifeline.
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