Mental Health Awareness and Enhancement Act 2013Natalia KonieczkowskiCentral Connecticut State UniversityNRSE 480The importance of mental health and its effect on individuals has been underestimated. Stigma and discrimination against people with mental disorders still exists today. Advanced technology and in-depth research are slowly moving towards a less discriminating and better understanding of mental health. More and more patients, especially children and adolescents, are being diagnosed with various mental disorders. Not enough programs and funding are given to identify and protect children from developing mental illnesses. To maintain the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with it, further education, prevention and promotion are needed. To support mental health, especially in children and adolescents, several legislatures have been created. The current legislative issue under discussion is the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013. This bill was created to strengthen the mental health system, reauthorize, and improve mental health and substance abuse programs. The first title of the legislation focuses on promoting school-based prevention and developing positive behavior plans and support systems. Title Two of the legislation focuses on suicide prevention, mental health awareness for teachers and helping children recover from traumatic events. (“U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Newsroom, 2013) The bill was introduced and referred out of the Committee on April 9, 2013. By April 10, 2013, the bill had been sent to the Chamber for consideration. The bill was implemented... halfway through the paper... My school in December 2012 affected me not only as a person but also as a student and future nurse the need to help schools provide safe and appropriate learning environments for all of the nation's students. I am pleased to support this approach to making schools safer and addressing mental health needs, as well as expanding access to health services. Mental I look forward to seeing changes as we recognize the requirements to meet the educational and academic needs of students, as well as improve mental health programs and crisis management plans nationwide. I fully support the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013. I also thank you for taking the steps to address this difficult and sensitive issue and look forward to continuing to work with you as a future nurse. Kind regards, Natalia Konieczkowski