HR9822-118

1. Short title; findings This Act may be cited as the Improving Brain Health in Schools Act. Congress finds the following: Brain health is defined as the biological, neurological, and physical characteristics of the brain affecting a person’s health and demeanor. Terminology such as mental health or mental illness can have negative connotations that deter children from seeking treatment. Using brain health or brain illness instead can help reduce the stigma and encourage seeking treatment. Children who have their brain health needs met tend to have positive outcomes regarding their social and academic development. Addressing brain health can enhance their ability to focus, learn, and interact positively with peers and adults. Over 1 in 5 children have a brain health condition, yet the majority do not receive the necessary assistance. It is critical for Congress to take steps to reduce the stigma associated with brain health conditions and find ways to encourage children and their families to seek access to brain health treatments and preventative care.

2. Extending grant eligibility to elementary and secondary schools Section 520E–2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb–36b) is amended— in the section heading, by striking in higher education; in subsection (a), by inserting elementary schools, secondary schools, and after competitive basis to; in subsection (b)— in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— by inserting an elementary school, secondary school, or after grant to; and by inserting the school or after unless; and by adding at the end the following: Establishing brain health retreat rooms. in subsection (c)— in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting elementary school, secondary school, or after Any; in paragraph (4), by striking or at the end; in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and by adding at the end the following: elementary schools and secondary schools. in subsection (d)— in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting an elementary school or secondary school or after under this section,; in each of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), by striking the institution of higher education and inserting the elementary school, the secondary school, or the institution of higher education; in paragraph (5), by striking the institution and inserting the school or institution; and in paragraph (7), by striking For an institution of higher education proposing and inserting For an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education proposing; in subsection (e)(1), by inserting elementary school, secondary school, or after grant under this section to an; and in subsection (g)— in the subsection heading, by striking Definition and inserting Definitions; by striking section, the term and inserting the following: section— The term by adding at the end the following: The terms elementary school and secondary school have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). The term brain health retreat room means a room in which students— can learn coping strategies to help them navigate the stresses of school; and can connect with the resources they need to help better manage their mental health. (13)Establishing brain health retreat rooms.; (6)elementary schools and secondary schools.; section—(1)Institution of higher educationThe term; and (2)Elementary school; secondary schoolThe terms elementary school and secondary school have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (3)Brain health retreat roomThe term brain health retreat room means a room in which students—(A)can learn coping strategies to help them navigate the stresses of school; and(B)can connect with the resources they need to help better manage their mental health..