CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act
Summary
The CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act aims to amend the Public Health Service Act, ensuring that area career and technical education schools are eligible for mental health and substance use disorder service grants. This bill expands the definition of 'covered institution' under Section 520E-2 of the Public Health Service Act to include area career and technical education schools, alongside institutions of higher education. The intended outcome is to improve access to mental health services for students in these schools.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase the availability of mental health and substance use disorder services for students attending career and technical education schools. By including these schools in the eligibility criteria for relevant grants, the bill seeks to address the mental health needs of a student population that may have been previously underserved. This could lead to improved student well-being and academic outcomes.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health services for students in career and technical education.
- Potential reduction in substance use disorders among students.
- Improved student well-being and academic performance.
- Enhanced support systems within career and technical education schools.
- Alignment with the goal of promoting general welfare as stated in the Constitution's preamble.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on existing resources if funding is not adequately increased.
- Possible administrative challenges in implementing the expanded eligibility criteria.
- Risk of funds being diverted from other essential educational programs.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on mental health and substance use disorders, potentially neglecting other student needs.
- No guarantee that increased access will translate to improved outcomes without addressing underlying systemic issues.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve the mental health and well-being of students, contributing to a healthier and more productive citizenry. However, the specific allocation of resources and the expansion of eligibility criteria are subject to congressional discretion and must be balanced against other constitutional considerations, such as equal protection and due process. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).