The PennZone

Greensburg, PA ~ Today, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Hempfield Area High School in Westmoreland County to discuss his proposed budget that would invest $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in Pennsylvania schools.

The Governor was joined by students, counselors, teachers, and administrators to hear firsthand about the mental health resources they need in their classrooms. During the visit, Governor Shapiro spoke about the importance of addressing the mental health crisis that students and families are facing across the Commonwealth.

"For too long, there has been a stigma around mental health care – but that's changing with this generation. Students across the Commonwealth aren't afraid to talk about their mental health, and that's what I heard here today," said Governor Shapiro. "Mental health affects our kids in and out of school – and we need a comprehensive approach to deliver real help across Pennsylvania. That's why my budget proposes investing half a billion dollars in mental health in our schools over the next 5 years to give students better access to mental health supports and to help us train more mental health professionals to work these critical jobs. It's time we listen to young people and deliver the help they need."

More on The PennZone

• Exciting First Five Months Of 2025 At Aiatranslations
• Fairmint Introduces First Fully Onchain and Open Cap Table Infrastructure
• Vortex Brands Begins Gold Purchases Under New Joint Venture with Dubai-Based Partner
• Author Chandra Donelson Visits the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
• Chandra Donelson Headlines the Hike2 Innovation Summit 2025

Principal Dr. David Palmer expressed his gratitude for Governor Shapiro's visit and discussed how Hempfield Area High School has seen an increased need for mental health services over the past several years. Student Nick Miller also spoke about how urgent it is for American teens' mental health crisis to be addressed immediately.

In addition to his budget's proposed investments, Governor Shapiro has directed Insurance Commissioner Mike Humphries to make sure that insurers are held accountable so that mental health benefits are covered fairly. The budget includes $500 million over five years for schools so they can fund on-site counselors and services as well as $60 million annually for counties who provide community-based services for residents.

Governor Shapiro is committed to ensuring that every Pennsylvanian student can receive the support they need when it comes to their mental health needs.

---

Show All News | Report Violation