Oregon Teens Bring Mental Health Awareness to Legislative Forefront
School is out for the summer but that hasn’t stopped a group of student advocates from working to improve mental health across the state.
Work2BeWell students made worldwide news when they successfully advocated for an Oregon law that will now allow students to take “mental health days” just as they would a typical “sick” day.
Work2BeWell is a Student Advisory Board, sponsored by Providence Health and Services—Oregon and Well Being Trust, in which students discuss mental health challenges that teens face in their day-to-day lives, along with ways to help their peers better manage the rising stresses they are facing.
“Being open to adults about our mental health promotes positive dialogue that could help kids get the help they need.” Hailey Hardcastle, one of the students that pushed HB 2191 through the legislature, told the Hill.
Mental health can sometimes be more comfortable for teens to ignore but these students are changing that stigma and lawmakers are beginning to listen.
We’re truly grateful to work with everyone involved in this effort.
