Bill Requiring SUCs to Establish Mental Health Office Passes 2nd Reading

  • Posted by slsu21
  • Categories News, OP
  • Date November 10, 2021

A bill strengthening the mental health services of state universities and colleges (SUCs) passed the second reading approval at the House of Representatives, November 9,2021.

The House Bill 10284 also known as the proposed State Universities and Colleges Mental Health Service Act was passed through voice voting during the plenary session on Tuesday.

Under the proposed bill, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is mandated to require all SUCs to establish a mental health office in all their campuses. The office shall provide assistance to the whole SUC community, especially the student, by setting up campus hotlines with trained guidance counselors.

Through the mental health offices, CHED and SUCs will initiate and sustain an awareness campaign emphasizing the issues of suicide prevention, stress handling, mental health and nutrition, and guidance and counseling.

Furthermore, the bill provides that each mental health office shall be operated by mental health professionals.

Article by: Amiel Jansen Demetrial