Feenstra Leads Legislation to Help Iowa Schools Provide Brain Health Support to Students
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) recently introduced legislation – the Improving Brain Health in Schools Act – to help Iowa schools provide brain health care to students.
The American Psychiatric Association and Brain Health Now both support this legislation.
“Brain health must be treated the same way as physical health. Too many people – especially our children – struggle from depression, anxiety, and other brain health challenges but lack access to safe outlets, quality care, and support systems. That needs to change to improve the overall wellbeing of our students,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I introduced the Improving Brain Health in Schools Act so that our schools can access the resources that they need to provide our kids with the brain health treatment that they deserve. By connecting students with brain health support at school, we can end the stigma, improve care outcomes, and help our kids reach their full potential.”
The Improving Brain Health in Schools Act:
- Allows K-12 schools to compete for brain health service grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- Permits K-12 schools to fund counseling centers and evidence-based programs to help address student brain health needs.
- Allows K-12 schools and institutions of higher learning to use grant funds to establish Brain Health Retreat Rooms, which are defined as spaces where students can learn wellness strategies and connect with the resources that they need to help better manage their brain health.
The full legislative text can be found HERE.
###