In 2022, the Connecticut legislature passed three transformative mental health measures.
The three laws – HB 5001, SB 1, and SB 2 – strengthen Connecticut's mental and behavioral health system, which experienced unprecedented strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. These laws:
- Expand 24/7 emergency mental health response and create walk-ins for mental health emergencies
- Address shortages of mental health staff in our schools by offering grants to local schools to hire social workers, counselors, and psychologists
- Provide mental health training to parents, students, and pediatricians
- Expand school-based health centers to develop mental health programming
- Create a state oversight and coordination of a state response to kids' mental health needs
It is more important than ever that we continued to invest in mental health. As state legislatures across the country cut funding for these vital services, in Connecticut, we chose to make critical investments in mental health for our state’s future. |