NYC Council Introduction 986

intro.nyc/0986-2024 2024-2025 Legislative Session
Pilot program to involve mental health professionals and professional candidates in student wellness clubs in public middle and high schools.
Status: Laid Over in Committee Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction
Sponsored by Rita C. Joseph
Introduced: July 18, 2024

This bill would require the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop a two-year pilot program to involve mental health professionals and professional candidates in student wellness clubs in public middle and high schools. The Commissioner would have to make best efforts to recruit mental health professionals for voluntary program participation and to develop partnerships with universities to recruit mental health professional candidates for voluntary program participation. These professionals and candidates would facilitate student discussions and workshops on various mental health topics. The bill would require the Commissioner to make best efforts to coordinate with the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools to establish this program within the clubs. Additionally, the bill would require the Commissioner, in coordination with the Chancellor, to submit to the Mayor and Speaker of the Council and post online a report on the program.