(Sacramento) – Today, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) joined by Senator Darrell Steinberg (Ret.), President Robert S. Nelsen, Sacramento State, Dr. Belinda C. Lum, Assistant Professor Sacramento City College, Melissa Bardo, ASI President Sacramento State, and Sam Alavi, ASI UC Davis at Sacramento State announced legislation to increase mental health access at public post-secondary institutions.
“Students at our public colleges often lack the access of needed mental health services when they really need it,” said Assemblymember McCarty. “I am proud to partner with the Steinberg Institute, system leaders, faculty, and students to author an important measure which will have a strong impact in increasing access to mental health services throughout our campuses for students.”
“Improving access to mental health services for college students is imperative, with over 1,100 college students dying from suicide each year making it the second leading cause of death,” said former Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. “It is time we ensure that the 2.8 million students that attend our public colleges have access to direct mental health services, so that they are able to thrive and live fully productive lives."
"College-age students are at an increased risk for a wide range of mental health issues, and these grants can help universities provide an even greater level of care to students in need,” says Sacramento State President Robert S. Nelsen. “Sacramento State takes its responsibility to treat students’ mental health needs seriously and Assemblyman McCarty’s efforts to expand mental health services on college campuses will certainly help many students.”
“Community colleges serve the most underserved and under-resourced populations in the state,” said Dr. Belinda C. Lum, Assistant Professor Sacramento. “This bill creates the unique opportunity for creating new partnerships that improve health access while simultaneously addressing the needs of those most in need of help.”
“The stresses of studying, working, paying for school and many of the other responsibilities that we deal with as students too often interfere with our mental well-being,” said Melissa Bardo, ASI President Sacramento State. “That is why access to mental health services on college campuses is crucial."
“A vast number of UC students struggle with mental health issues, due to balancing the stress of school and work and issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, and other factors,” said Sam Alavi, Director of the Office of Advocacy and Student Representation, ASUCD. “We need to do more so students have available, accessible, and diverse resources to ensure they’re not only surviving in the UC, but thriving.”
With 113 CCC, 23 CSU, and 10 UC campuses, totaling nearly 2.8 million students, student groups and associations across California are calling for increased access to appropriate mental health services. AB 2017 will create the College Mental Health Services Trust to fund competitive grants for mental health services for undergraduate and graduate students in the California Community College (CCC), California State University (CSU), and University of California (UC) systems. AB 2017 will be eligible for hearings this spring.
Website of Assemblymember McCarty: www.asmdc.org/mccarty
Below are links to audio of Assemblymember McCarty:
Opening remarks from Assemblymember McCarty at today’s AB 2017 news conference. (1:53)
Assemblymember McCarty explains the reason behind AB 2017. (:09)
Assemblymember McCarty says the money will come from existing resources. (:09)
Assemblymember McCarty says recent studies make it clear that more mental health services for students are needed. (:10)
For more information on the latest news from the Assembly Democratic Caucus click here http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/
or call Don Andrews at the Speaker’s Office of Member Services at (916) 319-3800