With a vibrant mural painted by students as the backdrop, Governor JB Pritzker signed an important new law at Chute Middle School in Evanston. This legislation will introduce mental health screenings in Illinois public schools for students in grades three through twelve starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The best part? It won’t cost schools or families a dime.
“Just as we screen for vision and hearing, we will now assess mental health,” Pritzker stated. This law aims to ensure confidential, age-appropriate screenings. Parents can opt out anytime. It also links families to the BEACON portal, which centralizes mental health services for children.
State Superintendent Tony Sanders emphasized that this law shifts the focus from reacting to mental health crises to preventing them. “We see our students not just as learners, but as whole people,” he said.
The signing event gathered many local leaders, including State Sen. Laura Fine and Dr. Dana Weiner, who works in children’s behavioral health. Mental health advocate Anne King spoke passionately about the need for these screenings. King shared a personal story about her sister, who struggled to get help before her tragic death in 1996. “These screenings could have saved her life,” she remarked. Her heartfelt words underscore the importance of this initiative.
District 65 already has successful mental health programs, and Pritzker hailed their proactive approach as a model for the state. Superintendent Angel Turner expressed optimism about the upcoming school year, aiming to focus on joy and community in schools despite challenges like potential consolidations.
Recent studies show that mental health screenings can significantly help students. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, conditions like anxiety and depression have risen among youth in recent years, highlighting the need for such proactive measures.
These screenings reflect a growing awareness of mental health’s importance in education. As we move forward, initiatives like this one could change lives and foster an environment where students feel supported.
For more on mental health resources, check out NAMI.
