Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-05-04

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates $1,290,626 in state funding to the Department of Health and Human Services to expand Teen Mental Health First Aid training programs across North Carolina. The training teaches high school students (grades 9-12) how to identify mental health and substance use challenges in their peers and connect them with trusted adults for support.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters point to alarming statistics showing that 10% of NC high school students have attempted suicide and 22% have seriously contemplated it, while 1 in 5 teens nationally experience mental health challenges.
• •They argue the evidence-based Teen MHFA program has demonstrated effectiveness, with a 50% increase in teens' willingness to seek help after completing the course, and the state has already trained 7,527 individuals and 212 instructors since 2023.
• •Expanding this program could save lives by empowering teens to recognize and respond to mental health crises among their friends.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether this is the most effective use of state funds, noting the $1.29 million is nonrecurring funding that may not sustain the program long-term.
• •Some may be concerned about whether peer-based training adequately replaces professional mental health services, or whether the state should prioritize funding direct clinical care and professional counselors in schools instead of peer training programs.
• •Others might argue about the appropriate role of schools in mental health intervention versus that of families and healthcare providers.