TOPEKA (KSNT) – Educators from across the state gathered at the Kansas Statehouse on Tuesday, calling for increased support for mental health in schools.
Governor Laura Kelly spoke at the mental health advocacy event on Feb. 24. She said the use of cell phones in schools is a major problem, calling it one of the leading causes of higher anxiety, depression and even suicide.
Kelly said Kansas has invested millions into mental health programs for students.
“We’ve invested over $94 million into the program, resulting in more than 7,000 students receiving mental health services across 111 school districts every year,” Kelly said.
“Hungry students suffer negative impacts on both their academic performance and emotional development, and that is why my budgets last year and this year have included $2.5 million to eliminate the co-pay for reduced price meals,” Kelly said.
Advocates said the goal is to address child hunger, eliminate distractions in the classroom and provide mental health resources to those in need.
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