Representative Sharice Davids Champions Mental Health Support for Kansas Students as School Year Begins

Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids led a discussion with local high school students about mental health issues impacting nearly one in five teens annually. As the school year starts, Davids is committed to enhancing mental health resources and policies in Kansas, aiming to provide every student with the support needed to succeed both academically and personally.

“Addressing mental health challenges is crucial as our students head back to school,” said Davids. “By engaging directly with young people and listening to their experiences, we can better understand their needs and work towards meaningful solutions. My commitment is to ensure that every student in Kansas has access to the support they need to succeed, both academically and emotionally.”

Since taking office, Davids has prioritized enhancing mental health care. She has secured funding for mental health programs in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties and advocated for better support in schools and police departments. Last year, her legislation to renew federal mental health grant programs for health centers, schools, and law enforcement passed the House. She also introduced bipartisan bills to prevent opioid misuse among student-athletes and to enhance mental health support for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.

Davids encourages Kansans who are struggling or in crisis to call or text the new national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, 988.