Wisconsin State Rep. Jim Steineke | legis.wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin State Rep. Jim Steineke | legis.wisconsin.gov
A state representative took the opportunity to remind the public at the start of National Health Education Week of the importance of mental health.
“Today kicks off National Health Education Week. Now more than ever, mental health screenings and education are needed,” Rep. Jim Steineke (R-Wauwatosa) tweeted on Oct. 18. “Now more than ever, mental health screenings and education are needed. That’s why I teamed up with @SenDarling to create the Child Psychiatry Consultation Program to help deliver much needed care and education to our students.”
NHEW’s roots date back to 1995 when it was established as such during the third week of October by the Society for Public Health Education.
According to the SOPHE, the two-fold goal of the week is to increase awareness around public health issues and further health education.
On the legislative front, Steineke, a proponent of legislation that supports the mental and behavioral health of youth in Wisconsin, teamed up with Republican state Sens. Roger Roth (R-Appleton) and Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) to craft a bill that helps educators address their students’ mental health needs.
The measure, Assembly Bill 644, garnered unanimous approval last year.
The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services’ Child Psychiatry Consultation Program provides education and training for providers who care for children and teens with behavioral health issues, the agency’s website says.
Enrolled providers can request screenings, access training and education resources and receive assistance with referrals, the DHS says.
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