July 20, 2019, The Hill: Florida public schools will be required to provide mental health education for students https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/454012-florida-public-schools-will-be-required-to-provide-mental-health The Florida State Board of Education voted this week to require public schools to provide students with mental health education. Under the new directive, the department said in an announcement that schools will be required to “provide students in grades 6-12 at least five hours of mental health instruction” on an annual basis. The instruction will be related to youth mental health awareness and assistance. It will also focus on providing students with an “awareness of signs and symptoms, process for getting or seeking help for themselves or others,” as well as an awareness of accessible mental health resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the department said…. Florida’s first lady, Casey DeSantis, said that she and her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), have “traveled the state and have heard from many families who voice concern about the struggles that adversely affect so many of our children.”…
