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Sen. Cortez Masto Calls on Education Department to Address Student Mental Health

Screenshot of Sen. Masto's letter

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Javier Becerra and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urging the departments to work together to help communities and schools address the student mental health challenges, including those brought on by the pandemic.

In her letter, the Senator emphasized how the pandemic has strained students’ mental health in addition to factors that contribute to well-being, such as food insecurity and home instability. While $122.7 billion was included for schools in the American Rescue Plan, Cortez Masto emphasizes that a “bold, coordinated all-of-government response” will provide the necessary guidance for the dispersal of the funds and will “avert the long-term consequences that come with associated traumas” from the pandemic’s impact.

The Senator is asking Secretary Becerra to use the relevant offices to connect parents, students, and schools with community-based providers. She also asked Secretary Cardona to provide resources for educators and schools to implement evidence-based instructional practices, mental health screenings, and more.

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Posted:  9 April, 2021
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