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India Today
6 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Illinois University first in US to mandate mental health screenings in schools
Illinois has become the first state in the US to mandate annual mental health screenings for school students. Under a new law signed by Governor JB Pritzker, all public school students from Grade 3 to 12 will undergo at least one mental health screening each year starting in the 2027–28 academic session. The move places mental health checks alongside vision and hearing tests in standard school health from the 2027-2028 academic year, all public schools across Illinois will conduct at least one mental health screening per student each year. The screenings are not meant to diagnose conditions but to identify early signs of distress and guide students toward appropriate professional THE LAW CHANGESWith this move, Illinois has added mental health to the list of routine health checks in schools, alongside hearing and vision tests. The state's Board of Education has been tasked with issuing implementation guidelines by September 1, 2026. The law also ensures that schools will be equipped with the necessary materials, technological support, and implementation frameworks will be provided at no cost. This support is crucial, especially for under-resourced ON EARLY DETECTIONThe screenings will serve as a first line of observation. Teachers and school staff may not always be trained to spot the subtler signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health screenings will offer a structured and consistent method to catch such signals and caregivers will also be looped state encourages schools to use the recently launched BEACON portal, a digital directory of behavioral health services, to connect families with mental health support in their TO A NATIONAL CRISISData from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that anxiety and depression are now among the most diagnosed conditions in school-aged aftermath of the pandemic has only increased the strain on young minds, and many schools are still struggling to meet the growing need for mental health law comes amid uncertainty over federal support. In June, the Trump administration rolled back nearly $1 billion in mental health grants, citing alleged argue this could leave many schools across the country without the help they need.A SIGNAL TO OTHER STATESWhile other states have debated mental health legislation, none has made screenings mandatory. Illinois now becomes a testing ground. If successful, its model may influence similar policies Pritzker called the law a necessary step to bring mental health to the forefront of student services. The message is clear: mental well-being deserves as much attention as any other aspect of a child's health.- Ends
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Illinois becomes the first US state to mandate mental health screenings for students
Illinois becomes the first US state to mandate mental health screenings for students In a groundbreaking move, Illinois has become the first American state to require annual mental health screenings for students in grades 3 through 12. The decision follows a new law signed by Governor JB Pritzker on Thursday, setting a national precedent in student wellness and public education. The screenings, which will begin in the 2027–2028 school year, are aimed at identifying mental health concerns early and ensuring students have access to the support they need. Why the law matters With this law, SB1560, mental health screenings will now join vision and hearing tests as a standard part of school health services. The initiative reflects growing concern among educators, health professionals, and policymakers about the rising rates of mental health issues among youth. Key features of the new law Who it covers: All public school students in grades 3 through 12 When it starts: School year 2027–2028 What it includes: At least one mental health screening per student annually Support for schools: Free screening tools, access to technology, and guidance will be provided Implementation timeline: The Illinois State Board of Education must issue screening policies by September 1, 2026 Support for families The law also encourages schools to connect caregivers with mental health resources via the BEACON portal, a digital platform launched earlier this year to help families find behavioral health services in their communities. Importantly, these screenings are not diagnostic—they are meant to flag potential concerns early and guide students toward professional help if needed. National backdrop: A student mental health crisis According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conditions like anxiety and depression are among the most commonly diagnosed mental health issues in children aged 3–17. The post-pandemic years have seen heightened concerns around student well-being, prompting several states to consider policy changes—but none as direct as Illinois' new mandate. This law arrives at a time when federal mental health funding has come under strain. Just two months ago, the Trump administration withdrew nearly $1 billion in mental health grants, claiming the funds were being misused. Critics fear that the rollback could leave many schools without the resources needed to meet rising demand. A model for other states? Illinois' bold move is already being viewed as a potential blueprint for other states. By integrating mental health screenings into the fabric of school life, the initiative seeks to normalize conversations around mental health and ensure timely support for students who might otherwise go unnoticed. Governor Pritzker positioned the law as part of a broader, integrated approach to student well-being, reinforcing the idea that mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
CBS News
01-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Gov. Pritzker signs bill requiring mental health screenings in all Illinois school districts
Illinois public schools will soon be required to give students annual mental health screenings under a new law just signed by Gov. JB Pritzker. The bill, SB1560, requires all school districts to provide screening in grades 3 through 12 at least once a year, starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It also partners with psychiatric hospitals to inform patients about the state's BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) Portal as a pathway to care. "We all struggle at some time in our lives — maybe multiple times in our lives — and just need a little bit of help, and especially our children," Pritzker said. "So we've got to overcome the stigma. We've got to make sure that we're screening kids." The Illinois School Board must create guidelines for screening, and the state will pick up the cost. Pritzker emphasized that mental health care is often overlooked and ignored, especially for children. "Let me say to any young person who's listening — who is struggling or anxious and is not sure what to do — you are not alone. We support you. As isolating and overwhelming as mental health challenges can be, there is help out here," Pritzker said. "Your friends and your families are here for you. Your teachers and your administrators are here for you. We are here for you." Pritzker signed the bill at Chute Middle School in Evanston, part of Evanston/Skokie Consolidated School District 65. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said at the signing event that kids across the U.S. are experiencing a mental health crisis that must be addressed. "This is a good day," Biss said. "This is a day that will be part of making sure that we identify at the earliest time possible mental health challenges experienced by youth across Illinois — making treatment possible, making access to treatment likely." Biss introduced Abhinav Anne, a rising high school senior who has been an advocate for the issue of youth mental health. Anne described a period when he was struggling in silence. "Earlier this year, I found myself sinking under the weight of expectations. I couldn't seem to escape. Everyone around me spoke about potential; about a bright future. But to me, those hopes felt like chains; like pressure on something already starting to crack. There were nights I couldn't sleep, haunted by thoughts of disappearing; by the idea that maybe the only way to escape the pain was to vanish altogether. I felt invisible, like the world would carry on without me," Anne said. "But in the middle of that darkness, I began to write. I poured everything I didn't know how to say into words—words like the words I'm speaking today. But by sharing my story, it was never about knowing all the answers. It was about making sure that no one else had to face their struggles alone," Anne continued. In 2022, the State of Illinois launched the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative — in a joint effort with policy and research analysts from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago — to strengthen behavioral health services for young people in Illinois. The latest bill builds on that effort and previous legislation.
Business Wire
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
JSPR Investors Have Opportunity to Join Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. Fraud Investigation with the Schall Law Firm
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. ('Jasper' or 'the Company') (NASDAQ: JSPR) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Jasper reported 'updated data from Company's BEACON Phase 1b/2a study of subcutaneous briquilimab in adult participants with CSU and providing an update on the program," on July 7, 2025. According to the Company, "results from the 240mg Q8W and the 240mg followed by 180mg Q8W dose cohorts appear to be confounded by an issue with one drug product lot used in those cohorts, with 10 of the 13 patients dosed with drug from the lot in question. The Company is investigating the drug product lot in question and expects to have the results of that investigation in the coming weeks." Based on this news, shares of Jasper fell by 55% on the same day. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at or by email at bschall@ The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Badger Meter's (BMI) Smart Water Play Impresses, But Stifel Remains on Hold
Badger Meter Inc. (NYSE:BMI) is one of the 10 best sustainability stocks to buy now. Nearly 95% of Badger Meter's revenue comes from technologies designed to safeguard water, a resource growing scarcer by the day. The company builds intelligent metering systems that help cities, utilities, and industries monitor consumption. Badger Meter's technology suite includes the ORION Cellular endpoints, BlueEdge suite, and the BEACON analytics platform, which provide utilities and businesses with real-time visibility into water usage. These tools make it easier to detect leaks, curb waste, and fine-tune system performance—helping operators respond quickly and manage water more efficiently. A plumber in a workshop, installing a water control and backflow device. Badger Meter also brings its environmental values into the factory floor: nearly 98.5% of the bronze used in its meter housings comes from recycled materials. It's a detail that reflects the company's broader approach, that is not just innovating in water tech, but doing so with a commitment to responsible production. The stock has risen by around 15% year-to-date and is up over 42% since touching its one-year low of $170.72 in early April. Analyst sentiment remains mixed on it. On June 16, Stifel Nicolaus analyst Nathan Jones reaffirmed his Hold rating on it, as he believed the stock was fairly valued at those levels. He met with the company's CEO and CFO, and the discussions with them underpinned his outlook of continued growth and margin improvement. As a result, the analyst increased his price target to $230 from $200. However, he maintained his cautious view as he expects the potential upside to be limited. While we acknowledge the potential of BMI as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Harvard University Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks and . Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
