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Improving Brain Health in Schools Act

H.R. 9822 · 118th Congress · Sep 25, 2024 · Lineage

A BILL

To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to extend eligibility for grants to elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.

Section 1 Short title; findings

(a)
Short title— This Act may be cited as the “Improving Brain Health in Schools Act”.
(b)
Findings— Congress finds the following:
(1)
Brain health is defined as the biological, neurological, and physical characteristics of the brain affecting a person’s health and demeanor.
(2)
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.
(3)
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.
(4)
Over 1 in 5 children have a brain health condition, yet the majority do not receive the necessary assistance.
(5)
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.

Sec. 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—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking “in higher education”;
(2)
in subsection (a), by inserting “elementary schools, secondary schools, and” after “competitive basis to”;
(3)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(i)
by inserting “an elementary school, secondary school, or” after “grant to”; and
(ii)
by inserting “the school or” after “unless”; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:

“(13) Establishing brain health retreat rooms.”

(4)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting “elementary school, secondary school, or” after “Any”;
(B)
in paragraph (4), by striking “or” at the end;
(C)
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:

“(6) elementary schools and secondary schools.”

(5)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting “an elementary school or secondary school or” after “under this section,”;
(B)
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”;
(C)
in paragraph (5), by striking “the institution” and inserting “the school or institution”; and
(D)
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”;
(6)
in subsection (e)(1), by inserting “elementary school, secondary school, or” after “grant under this section to an”; and
(7)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking “Definition” and inserting “Definitions”;
(B)
by striking “section, the term” and inserting the following:

“(1) Institution of higher education—The term”

(C)
by adding at the end the following:

“(2) Elementary school; secondary school—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).

“(3) Brain health retreat room—The 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.”